1. NRN and RDPE Network Leader Short Course

2. Aims of the Course To reinforce participants’ understanding of the Leader approach and its place within the RDPE and wider relationship to rural development policy and institutions To exchange information and ideas on the practical delivery of the Leader approach and ways of building the capacity and effectiveness of LAG’s To explore the practical steps that might be taken to facilitate cooperation and joint working between the Leader groups within the northern regions and beyond

3. Introduction Introduction to the day and context of the RDPE Terry Carroll, CRE and Rebecca Frost, RDPE Network CRC

4. GROUP SESSIONS A) Animation of the LAG: how to inspire and secure ongoing commitment of the members Adrian Banford, Fells & Dales and Michael Nixon, Northumberland Uplands B) Project facilitation and appraisal Adrian Sherwood One Northeast and David Boyce, Northern Marches C) Achieving effective communication with local people Dee Mitchell, Coast Wolds Wetlands & Waterways and Richard Betton, LAG Chair North Pennine Dales

5. PLENARY SESSION Plenary session: An action plan for capacity building and joint working between the northern Leader territories Prof Mark Shucksmith, Newcastle University and CRC