FPS DTA Events AMP Network Managing Risks in Asset Transfer – An Overview Managing Risks in Asset Transfer – An Overview Or alternatively….. If we can think of enough excuses it’s not going to happen!

FPS DTA Events Excuse 1 – “The organisation will favour one specific group” There could be a risk of an organisation taking over an asset and keeping it specifically for their own purposes rather than for the benefit of the wider community.

FPS DTA Events Excuse 1 – “The organisation will favour one specific group” Possible Solutions? –Agree delivery expectations prior to transfer –Set up inclusive management group or transfer to an umbrella organisation –Include covenant(s) - providing they are not too onerous –Include Asset Lock –Presence on the Board –Influence over Articles of Association Possible Solutions? –Agree delivery expectations prior to transfer –Set up inclusive management group or transfer to an umbrella organisation –Include covenant(s) - providing they are not too onerous –Include Asset Lock –Presence on the Board –Influence over Articles of Association

FPS DTA Events Excuse 2 – The organisation has no skills to manage the asset Managing a public asset can be a daunting prospect for those who have little experience in doing so, issues such as DDA, general maintenance, H+S, Legionella testing, Fire Risk Assessments, etc, etc, etc.

FPS DTA Events Excuse 2 – The organisation has no skills to manage the asset Possible Solutions? –An audit of skills required & those in the organisation –A viable longer term business plan is produced –A detailed ‘hand over document’ –Access to expertise – 3 rd Sector or from the LA –A variety of freehold/leasehold with repair options can be used (but can be abused!) –SLA for provision of support expertise Possible Solutions? –An audit of skills required & those in the organisation –A viable longer term business plan is produced –A detailed ‘hand over document’ –Access to expertise – 3 rd Sector or from the LA –A variety of freehold/leasehold with repair options can be used (but can be abused!) –SLA for provision of support expertise

FPS DTA Events Excuse 3 – There is no guarantee they will be there next year Is there a risk that an organisation relying on volunteers or particular people will still continue if those people leave?

FPS DTA Events Excuse 3 – There is no guarantee they will be there next year Possible Solutions? –Promote best practice in succession planning –Provision of peer support –Include places on ‘steering group’ (or Board) for local elected members or officers –Transfer to a development trust or similar body who can then make space available but manage the overall asset Possible Solutions? –Promote best practice in succession planning –Provision of peer support –Include places on ‘steering group’ (or Board) for local elected members or officers –Transfer to a development trust or similar body who can then make space available but manage the overall asset

FPS DTA Events Excuse 4 – They can’t take on the financial burden There could be a risk that a community organisation cannot afford to take on the investment to meet its longer term commitments

FPS DTA Events Excuse 4 – They can’t take on the financial burden Possible Solutions? –Consider longer term income/expenditure at outset (the ‘Business Case’) –Possible endowment payments from transferring body –Transfer to a larger body or group of bodies. –Retention of certain maintenance liabilities by transferring body Possible Solutions? –Consider longer term income/expenditure at outset (the ‘Business Case’) –Possible endowment payments from transferring body –Transfer to a larger body or group of bodies. –Retention of certain maintenance liabilities by transferring body

FPS DTA Events Excuse 5 – It doesn’t fit in with the wider plan Local Authorities will have strategic objectives as part of the LSPs or wider community visions. Will the transfer support these?

FPS DTA Events Excuse 5 – It doesn’t fit in with the wider plan Possible Solutions? –Role of assets and grants should be explicit in Council policies and strategies –Partnership and engagement with 3 rd Sector –Involvement in area asset reviews & service reviews –Agreement of objectives at outset Possible Solutions? –Role of assets and grants should be explicit in Council policies and strategies –Partnership and engagement with 3 rd Sector –Involvement in area asset reviews & service reviews –Agreement of objectives at outset

FPS DTA Events Excuse 6 – They never fulfil their side of the bargain There can be a lack of understanding of different roles and responsibilities when a transfer occurs

FPS DTA Events Excuse 6 – They never fulfil their side of the bargain Possible Solutions? –Clear handover documentation –Model Partnership Agreements –SLAs for both parties? –Access to specialist advice –Continuing communication and engagement –Clear points of contact in organsiations Possible Solutions? –Clear handover documentation –Model Partnership Agreements –SLAs for both parties? –Access to specialist advice –Continuing communication and engagement –Clear points of contact in organsiations

FPS DTA Events Excuse 7 – Everybody wants it, so it would be unfair to choose one over another There can be competing organisations for the transfer/ownership of an asset

FPS DTA Events Excuse 7 – Everybody wants it, so it would be unfair to choose one over another Possible Solutions? –Role of assets and grants should be explicit in Council policies and strategies –Carry out thorough option appraisal including community objectives to ascertain which body is most suitable –Transfer to umbrella body to manage asset and provide space for both organisations in cooperation Possible Solutions? –Role of assets and grants should be explicit in Council policies and strategies –Carry out thorough option appraisal including community objectives to ascertain which body is most suitable –Transfer to umbrella body to manage asset and provide space for both organisations in cooperation

FPS DTA Events Excuse 8 – They can’t pay for it, so they can’t have it Sometimes it is difficult for a community organisation to raise cash to purchase and asset, or repair it for use. There is pressure on authorities to maximise capital receipts and thus less inclination to transfer at preferable rates. Sometimes it is difficult for a community organisation to raise cash to purchase and asset, or repair it for use. There is pressure on authorities to maximise capital receipts and thus less inclination to transfer at preferable rates.

FPS DTA Events Excuse 8 – They can’t pay for it, so they can’t have it Possible Solutions? –Review of potential funding streams and funding options – 3 rd Sector may be able access funds that the LA cannot. –Review disposal income against positive community benefits Possible Solutions? –Review of potential funding streams and funding options – 3 rd Sector may be able access funds that the LA cannot. –Review disposal income against positive community benefits

FPS DTA Events Excuse 9 – Sorry you’re speaking to the wrong person! Sometimes it is difficult for community organisations to find he right people to deal with within a local authority, often resulting in being turned away even when the wider organisation is keen to work with community groups.

FPS DTA Events Excuse 9 – Sorry you’re speaking to the wrong person! Possible Solutions? –Public Sector organisations need to develop a policy/approach for community transfer and set up a dedicated contact point –This needs to be communicated internally and externally Possible Solutions? –Public Sector organisations need to develop a policy/approach for community transfer and set up a dedicated contact point –This needs to be communicated internally and externally

FPS DTA Events In conclusion?