Gallu Executive Group Meeting

Aberglasney Coach House
14 September – 10.30am

Attendance:
Chris Osborne - W W Hospitality Panel
Gary Davies - RTP
Diana James - TTFW
Lisa Johnston - HRD Co-ordinator

1. Apologies – None, all present.

2. Minutes of last meeting were read clarification was sought with regard to Lowri’s office in Pembroke CO advised that all being well Lowri should have access on 27 September. The address is 55 Main Street Pembroke.

CO raised the following concerns:

Phil Drakeford from EBP was concerned about the use of students for the launch. Possible too late for their involvement due to the summer holidays. It was decided not get students involved however they should be kept in mind and presented with opportunities in the future to get involved.

Gallu should have some sort of disclaimer that expresses their lack of responsibility for the final outcomes of the training.

3. The Launch

The Launch was briefly discussed it was reported by LJ that things were going according to plan. CO requested that LJ chase the WW Hosp Panel to ensure their attendance at the meeting and the launch.

4. Progress to Date

LJ reported that the pilot survey was being undertaken and advised the executive group that each survey is going to take approx 1 ½ to 2 hours to complete when done face to face. CO advised that if the TNA was to be done online he advised that it must be possible to complete the whole thing in 20 minutes max or the business will lose interest and give up.

5. Budget

DJ brought up the matter of paying for training not being in the bid – time in kind had been mentioned but no actual cash.

GD said money is a commitment from the business we must say that the training is free however the business must contribute towards room hire and lunch. CO suggests we word as "monies being paid to assist with course costs".

CO Cost of training i.e. a business goes to a day course all money going to 1 business. DJ says that we must make it clear that while we support the training we do not have a bottomless pit and must ensure that we get the best value for our money.

6. Statutory Training

LJ raised the issue about subsidising statutory training and used the example of a doorman’s course. CO stated that statutory training packages are not to be touched.

LJ stated that there is confusion over which training courses are statutory and those that are not, a list has been sought however one has not surfaced yet.
She also confirmed the following statement with CO to ensure that this was the best way to communicate what statutory training was with her team members until such a list became available “if the training is vital to the completion of the individuals role there is 80% chance that the training is statutory.

GD and DJ suggested that LJ carry out some more research for a list of statutory training – LJ said that all the training providers that her team had met with will be emailed and asked for a list of what they know is statutory training along with Business Eye and Business Connect. This list can then cross reference and a final list should then be received.

7. Courses

LJ raised the subject of courses and listed some that had been requested. The following comments were made:

CO, DJ and GD all agreed that team building may be an item of training that every business would want and were concerned that it may well be the managers of the businesses that would need the training on how to build/motivate etc their team. The opportunity once again presented itself that one business may benefit from a lot of money as opposed to several.

DJ raised Familiarisation Trips as a good experience in the past; GD said that previously 50/60 TIC staff had gone on a fam trip for a weekend and it had proved very successful. LJ Reminded GD that most TICs are LA run and therefore would not be eligible under this project, however the idea for Fam trips is good and she herself would consider some for Carms. and her facilitators for their appropriate areas.

LJ mentioned networking nights, business breakfasts or working lunches as a request from CTA management committee meeting. Freddie Burns had suggested them and LJ said she would see if there was someway that she could use it as a training course for networking. GD liked the idea and said that he would happy to get involved.

GD also gave another example of when a networking night had been successful – HRD packaging – gardens and trade members.

GD also brought up broadband training and the opportunity for beneficiaries.

8. AOB

DJ informed the executive group that due to Anna Chapman and Karen Long's departure, for the time being she will be managing TTFW National Projects

GD mentioned the WTB Road show in February. GD will send LJ the info. CO suggested Gallu has a presence – when Gallu received road show details could they forward details onto the trade and anyone else they think will be interested.

GD suggested that with regards to toolkits and using them as a training tool LJ speak to Liz Matthews at the WTB.

DJ said the HR toolkit surgery could be used to support issues for recruitment and retention.

LJ asked CO on behalf of Lowri Edwards whether members of Pembrokeshire Tourism were the only tourist association to receive discounted rates for its members. CO advised yes, since the RTP supported TAs are all sponsors of the Gallu project.

CO discussed careers and awareness days one on the 4/11/04 which is a joint initiative between the care and hospitality industries. 10 members from each influencing careers, job centre plus etc staff. Also, on the 11/11/04 there is a Careers Fayre and CO would like all Gallu team members to be in attendance. CO also advised that he would like LJ within her wider role to co-ordinate and arrange this event.

LJ advised that November is possibly going to be one of the biggest training times, and whilst it would be possible for 1 of the Gallu team to be present on the day the organisation of the event will take up a large amount of time. LJ and CO decided to play it by ear.

CO Profit through Productivity and the benchmarking process, can Gallu give provide some sort of benchmarking process: this will be the only way Gallu will be able to prove its success. Suggested David Edwards, from PTP, contact Lisa to discuss.

DJ replied it is a consideration if the trade demands it. TTFW’s commitment to profit through productivity is to evaluate the process. North Wales experience was that they were not happy with the bench marking process. However, it is not a closed door and the needs and wants must be weighed up.

GD brought up the Trade Operators Survey as a qualitative and quantitive piece of work which will look at the role of the tourist association etc. GD highlighted that this info can be shared with Gallu for info purposes.

GD also highlighted IQM – Integrated Quality Management GD is looking to co-ordinate a project which will aim to put together standards stating what IQM is all about, GD hopes that this will done in co-ordination with TGA Officers and Cardiff People. He would also like LJ to get involved.

Date of next meeting 26 October 2004, 11.00 am at The Coach House Aberglasney.