Live Here Love Here Steering Group

June 2023

November 2023

• Climate and Sustainability

• To review behaviour research.
• Litter composition analysis.
• Funding and media campaign updates.

• Informed communications campaigns and schemes.

Association for Public Service Excellence Energy Webinar

September 2023

• Climate and Sustainability

• Case study analysis on innovative net zero technologies.

• Informed decarbonisation plans.

Climate Essentials Net Zero Webinar

September 2023

• Climate and Sustainability

• An update on UK actions to decarbonise, and the impact on local councils.

• Informed our decarbonisation strategy.

Sustainable NI Workshop

November 2023

• Climate and Sustainability
• Parks Development

• To identify public sector needs in relation to climate and sustainability.
• To set the foundation for consistency and collaboration across Northern Ireland.

• Informed Sustainable NI of gaps in knowledge, skills, and resources, to help councils adapt to climate change and achieve net zero.

UK Scope 3 Green House Gas Emission Reporting Webinar - Business in the Community

December 2023

• Climate and Sustainability

• Information on Scope 3 emissions reporting requirements in England.

• Northern Ireland requirements have not yet been agreed by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

Sustainable Development Forum Meeting - Sustainable NI

September 2023

• Climate and Sustainability
• Parks Development

• To provide council updates and discuss opportunities for support.
• Presentation by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council on supporting local businesses to net zero.

• Best practice round-table discussions on sustainability projects.

EPUK Investments Ltd - Energetický a průmyslový Holding (EPH)

January 2024

• Climate and Sustainability

• Site visit to Kilroot power station.

• Understanding of the organisation’s vision and plans.
• Viewed location of approved Combined Heat and Power Plant.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Consultation Workshop - The Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee

January 2024

• Climate and Sustainability

• Discussion on possible new requirements for councils.

• Understanding of collection, storage, and processing requirements.
• Helped to inform consultation response.

NI National Communications Advisory Panel Meeting

January 2024

• Climate and Sustainability

• To provide updates on the Recycle Week delivery plan and Food Waste Action Week, etc.

• Informed plans for future communications campaigns (i.e. the Food Waste Recycling Campaign in February and Food Waste Action Week in March).

Re-use in council webinar - NI Resource Network

March 2024

• Climate and Sustainability

• To discuss opportunities for re-use.

• Highlighted local repair and re-use events.
• Informed staff on behavioural change at home to reduce waste.

Net Zero Delivery - Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

Monthly

• Climate and Sustainability
• Economic Development
• Facilities Maintenance

• Information on how the Council is supporting local business to decarbonise.

• Information-sharing.

All-Party Group on Climate Change – NI Executive

Every 2 months

• Climate and Sustainability

• Meetings with Members of the Legislative Assembly, hosted by Sustainable NI.
• Presentations from key speakers, such as the Department for the Economy, and the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

• Knowledge development.

Northern Ireland Public Sector Communications Forum

Ongoing

• Communications

• To learn best practice from sector experts.

• Knowledge implemented into day-to-day roles.
• Relationship-building.

Northern Ireland Local Government Association Communications meetings

Ongoing

• Communications

• To learn from colleagues.
• To identify sector trends and issues.

• Knowledge implemented into day-to-day roles.
• Relationship-building.

Launch of Empower UK

May 2023

• Economic Development

• Launch of programme which supports economically inactive adults with a disability or health condition.

• Awareness of programme and support provided.

Inter Trade Ireland Business Summit

June 2023

• Economic Development

• Cross-border trade development.

• Business support opportunities.
• Networking.

Northern Ireland Explore Enterprise Support Service Launch

June 2023

• Economic Development

• Launch event.

• Awareness of support, including details on target participants.

Community Wealth Building Symposium

June 2023

• Economic Development

• Symposium.

• Knowledge facilitated the design of outreach for the Go Succeed programme (i.e. Getting Social delivery with community organisations).

NI Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report 2022/23

June 2023

• Economic Development

• Report launch.

• Knowledge of entrepreneurial activity and attitudes to entrepreneurship.

Engage in Inclusivity Workshop

July 2023

• Economic Development

• Project led by Ulster University to consider future Labour Market needs.

• Initial planning sessions for EPIC Futures NI – (Economic and Social Partnering for Inclusive Innovation and Collaboration).

NI Ethnic Minority and Migrant Entrepreneurs Position Paper 2023

August 2023

• Economic Development

• Launch event.

• Better understanding of the needs of ethnic minority entrepreneurs.

Innovation Lab

August 2023

• Economic Development

• To develop UK Research and Innovation Local Policy Innovation Partnerships.

• Successful bid submitted by Ulster University with the EPIC Futures project, launched in March 2024.

Belfast Labour Market Programme Gateway to Choices Launch

September 2023

• Economic Development

• Programme launch.

• Awareness of support.

Labour Market Programme Seminar

September 2023

• Economic Development

• Seminar with the Institute of Employment Studies and four of the UK Employment Commissioners.

• Feedback provided to the Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership and used to shape the 2024/25 Action Plan.

Go Succeed Launch

November 2023

• Economic Development

• Launch event.

• Promotional event.

Building an Inclusive Labour Market Conference (Ulster University)

January 2024

• Economic Development

Discussions on:

• Opportunities for greater engagement between health and employment support services.
• Potential implications of further welfare reform.
• Re-skilling and up-skilling support to encourage labour market participation and progress.
• A future investment model that can make an impact.

• Networking with other Labour Market Partnerships and statutory organisations from Ulster University and the Institute of Employment Studies.
• Helped shape the Labour Market Partnership Action Plan for 2024/25.

Business Breakfast

January 2024

• Economic Development

• Business Breakfast.

• Connections.
• Promotion of the Go Succeed Service.

Sub regional planning workshop

January 2024

• Economic Development

• Workshop with SOLACE, Invest NI, and the Department for Education.

• Initial meeting in sub-regional Economic Development planning approach.

Manufacturing Task Force Business Breakfast

February 2024

• Economic Development

• To mark Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week.

• Enhanced understanding of the value derived by local employers and individuals from Apprenticeships NI and higher-level apprenticeships.

EPIC Futures NI - Local Policy Innovation Partnership Launch

March 2024

• Economic Development

• Partnership launch.

• Awareness of the research project’s aims and objectives, and its potential impact i.e. better understanding of the drivers behind economic inactivity rates.

Go Succeed – Getting Social

March 2024

• Economic Development

• For local groups to learn more about becoming a Social Enterprise, including inspirational visits to similar organisations.

• Networking and best-practice learning.
• Attendees have availed of one-to-one idea development, and are exploring the possibility of acquiring premises to develop as a community hub.

Inclusive Employment and Social Value

March 2024

• Economic Development

• Information-sharing and networking.

• Knowledge gained in inclusive employment and social value.

CelebrateHer Conference

March 2024

• Economic Development

• Female entrepreneurship event for International Women’s Day.
• Presentations by key influencers (from industry and academia) on Entrepreneurship and Wellbeing.

• Benchmarking against Mid and East Antrim Enterprising Women.
• Networking.

Waterford County Council and Southeast Technology University, Waterford

September 2023

January 2024

• Economic Development

• To discuss opportunities to collaborate, share knowledge, and partner in future funding opportunities.

• Potential future visit to see Arc Labs (research and innovation centre) in action.
• Understanding on how programmes have been implemented.
• Could support the development of the iLAB within the Council’s i4C project.

Digi Manufacturing 2.0 Industry Matchmaking and Project Developments

2023/24

• Economic Development

• Support for small and medium sized enterprise manufacturers to collaborate (to improve digitalisation and address the green transition challenge).
• Events organised by the Irish Digital Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Spell Cluster, Inter Trade Ireland, and Manufacturing NI.
• To create and enhance cross-border strategic value chains and green uptake.

• Excellent networking opportunity.
• Further collaborative events and workshops were held in June 2023 in Limerick, where innovation, research and development, and matchmaking were discussed in detail.
• Information disseminated to Mid and East Antrim Manufacturing Task Force members, as appropriate.

UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum Event – Leeds - Belfast Region City Deal delegation

May 2023

• Economic Development

• A UK-only investment event for senior leaders from global investment funds and property companies, public sector bodies, government, and the third sector.

• Areas were represented to accelerate the Levelling-Up Agenda and to drive sustainable, inclusive, and transformational investment across the UK.
• Focused on several themes including the UK’s net zero target, social value and inclusive growth, the future of real estate, building better communities, and inward investment.
• An opportunity to promote Mid and East Antrim, as a CleanTech hub of the region.

• Strong collaborative investment opportunities through attendance at events of this scale, with over 7,500 attendees.

The Executive Office - Local Government International Relations Working Group NI

June 2023

October 2023

• Economic Development

• To establish a network of contacts for information exchange and to work in close partnership with local councils, the Executive Office, and other Northern Ireland government departments.

• Continued meeting attendance.
• Ongoing updating of the central activity tracker to inform and assist the Executive Office’s International Relations team in establishing a coordinated approach to central government international engagement and visits.

Improvement and Efficiency Social Enterprise (iESE) Innovation Club

June 2023

• Economic Development

• An independent arena for public bodies to network and learn from sector experts, industry leaders and, most importantly, its own members.
• Following our success as UK Council of the Year 2023 at the iESE Public Sector Transformation Awards, Gold Award in the Asset Management and Regeneration category, and Highly Commended in the Green Public Service category, we were asked to host a regional Innovation Club event (a regional showcase).

• The delegation visited Wrightbus, the Hydrogen Training Academy Fuel Cells Lab, and the H₂ Gas Safe Lab at the St Patrick’s Barracks site in Ballymena.
• Feedback was extremely positive, with follow-up meetings requested.
• Further best practice presentations were given in September.

Hydrogen 2 Training Academy - Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

2023 - 2024

• Economic Development

• Partnership with the Further and Higher Education and private sectors, to establish a unique Hydrogen Training Academy in Northern Ireland (to develop the skills needed to promote the green growth agenda, and green economy).
• Industry representatives have provided benchmarking and feedback on the H₂ Gas Safe training lab, which is informing the future of the Hydrogen Training Academy and H₂ Gas Safe lab.
• Learning via engagement with a range of private and public sector partners, as trainees on the Hydrogen Training Academy and as users of the H₂ Gas Safe lab, has helped inform technical requirements and the commercial approach to the future of the Academy.
• Training organisations in the UK, Ireland, Canada, and Australia, have contacted the Council regarding the Academy’s offering, with interest in accessing the training from the UK, Ireland, and Africa.

• Significant benchmarking has taken place with hydrogen training providers to develop optimal training courses, with a unique offering from Levels 3-7.

• Industry partners can access newly developed course materials, with academic partners continuing to deliver Hydrogen Training Academy branded courses.
• Industry input has helped shape Level 3 training materials, with academic partners developing, accrediting and delivering the courses, ensuring industry alignment and buy-in, as the courses are mainstreamed beyond the initial pilot.
• We have established strong working relations with the University of Birmingham (UK leaders in hydrogen teaching), and the Enterprise Skills Partnership in Scotland, who hope to work alongside our consortium in the future.

Mid and East Antrim Net Zero (MEANZ) Business project – funded by Innovate UK.

July 2023 onwards

• Economic Development

• Helps local authorities address non-technical barriers to achieving net zero targets.
• The Future Ready Programme for Net Zero Innovation and Delivery Officers provides a Community of Practice (access to knowledge and information from other projects and experts), an Academy programme (training, webinars, coaching, information, access to expertise, and quarterly in-person knowledge transfer and best practice visits), and an Insights series (best practice from projects across the UK).
• The Council’s best practice was profiled and shared to Innovate UK’s extensive network, via the Future Ready Newsletter.
• Best practice events and conferences showcasing net zero technologies and initiatives (Hydrogen Ireland Conference and the All-Ireland Sustainability Summit).
• Monthly internal net zero initiative meetings.

• Further activity will continue accessing, exploring and sharing examples of best practice within the Council, and with industry representatives.
• An internal information repository is used to disseminate information and learning.
• We meet regularly with Innovate UK’s network working groups to share ideas and learning, and host a monthly Fast Followers NI meeting.
• A significant industry-facing knowledge-transfer programme, including best practice site visits within the UK for officers and industry representatives, and an eight-part best practice ‘Insights’ webinar series, are planned for 2024/25.

The Advanced Manufacturing and Energy Innovation hub - UK Midlands, Mid and East Antrim Borough

Autumn 2023

• Economic Development

• Learning and benchmarking opportunities for some key strategic projects.
• The STEAMHOUSE facility in Birmingham, which opened in 2022 and is managed by Birmingham City University, has a makerspace (iLAB) located within their Innovation Centre.

• A visit in 2024 will have several practical learning lessons and target outputs that will assist with planning and preparation for the i4C, iLAB and Hytech projects, including potential strategic alliances.

UK Hydrogen Economy Hub - Aberdeen City Region, Scotland

Autumn/Winter 2023

• Economic Development

• The Aberdeen City region is a leading hub for the UK hydrogen economy.
• The region has traditionally been a hub for the oil and gas industry, and is using its skillsets and assets to transition to cleaner fuels.
• The council leads in the creation of the regional H₂ hub.

• Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has ambitions to develop the borough as Northern Ireland’s premier hydrogen economy hub, building on the presence of Wrightbus, EP UK Investments and the Port of Larne, which could translate into the transition of the east coast energy cluster, around Larne and Carrickfergus.
• Learning can inform the Council’s plans for the Ballymena H₂ hub under the Hytech NI and Hydrogen Training Academy projects.

Building the Geothermal Sector Conference - Queens University, multiple council participation.

July 2023

• Facilities

• Learning opportunity for emerging technologies - Geothermal / Renewable Sustainable Energy Generation.
• Learning from industry experts and those who have designed and delivered Geothermal projects.

• Knowledge on sector challenges and opportunities.
• We have engaged feasibility studies to assess opportunities across our estate.

Renewable Gas Conference - Phoenix Energy, Department for the Economy, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the Utility Regulator, and multiple council participation.

October 2023

• Facilities

• Conference.
• Information on the decarbonisation of natural gas networks.

• Learning on competing technologies and the upstream decarbonisation of space heating through combustion.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Projects

March 2024

• Facilities

• Benchmarking meeting of all Northern Ireland councils to discuss progress in energy procurement models, energy efficiency, and renewable energy projects.

• Discussion of joint procurement opportunities for potential economies of scale.

Changes in Practice and Policies - All NI local authorities

Ongoing

• Human Resources

• Benchmarking of policies or changes in practice to consider other local authority positions and the impact of decisions.

• Can inform recommendations for the adoption of new practices or changes to existing practice.

Forest Site Management for Health and Safety Workshop – Visitor Safety Group

February 2024

• Parks Development

• Looked at industry standards for the closure of forested or wooded sites when high winds are predicted.

• Each organisation follows a similar rule, in that they close when a particular weather warning is given. However, not all sites can be completely shut off to members of the public due to their size and make up, for example, some forests have multiple informal entrances. 

• A uniform approach to closing of sites due to weather warnings. Signage and messaging to members of the public was the best practice outcome.

Open water swimming Health and Safety Workshop – Visitor Safety Group

February 2024

• Parks Development

• This workshop looked at industry standards for accessing inland waterways (focusing on Camlough).

• The general consensus was to follow the Royal Life Saving Society and Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents recommendations for safety provision, signage and to limit/try to prevent access where it was deemed necessary (for example, conflict with motorised vehicles).

Woodland creation visits - Belfast Hills Partnership

April 2023

• Parks Development

• Tree and Woodland Officers visited several sites to learn about best practice in tree planting, community engagement on large tree planting sites, volunteer engagement, and management of woodland creation.

• Used knowledge gained in the delivery of the Emergency Tree Fund Project, including pre-planning to avoid conflict or negative impacts on other types of habitats.

Visiting ancient woodland restoration sites - Woodland Trust

April 2023

• Parks Development

• Best practice visits to Campbell College in Belfast where extensive ancient woodland restoration was carried out.
• Knowledge to help develop and deliver Council projects, and ensure best value for money.

• Working to avoid any mistakes or negative developments that have occurred on previous sites.

Visiting ancient woodland restoration sites - Woodland Trust, Cultra.

April 2023

• Parks Development

• Best practice visits to Cultra where ancient woodland restoration is being carried out.

• Knowledge to inform the development and delivery of Council projects.

Agroforestry and trees on farms site visits - Nature Friendly Farming Network

April 2023

• Parks Development

• Best practice visit.

• Knowledge to inform the development and delivery of Council projects.

Site Assessment Workshops - Woodland Trust

June 2023

• Parks Development

• To learn about the design and development of woodlands, including habitat assessments, managing flood risk through woodland creation, and training on priority habitats.

• Connections.
• Developed knowledge.

Mapping workshop - Ordinance Survey NI

August 2023

• Parks Development

• Best practice workshop.

• Knowledge to inform Council site mapping.

Belfast Tree Strategy Launch - Belfast City Council

October 2023

• Parks Development

• Launch event.

• Connections.
• Will facilitate strategy development.

Working practices and funding - Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council

October 2023

• Parks Development

• Comparison of working practices.

• Connections.
• Knowledge development.

Farm visit Agroforestry Show 2023 – Growing Innovation Network NI (GrowIN)

October 2023

• Parks Development

• Aimed at bringing farmers, foresters, tree surgeons, growers, graziers, advisors, funders, food businesses and agroforesters, the benefit of integrating trees and farming.

• Connections.
• Knowledge development.

Timber from Wood products - College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)

November 2023

• Parks Development

• The Council is providing grants to farmers and landowners for tree planting via the Emergency Tree Fund and Woodland Officers.
• This course educated landowners about the benefits of growing trees on their land, and the options for wood products as the woodland matures.

• Contacts made.
• Knowledge development.

Tree Survey Techniques - Belfast City Council

December 2023

• Parks Development

• Best practice visit.

• Knowledge development.

Guess How Much I Love You Trail -Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council

August 2023

• Parks Development

• Site visit.

• Research into a trail for Childcare Partnerships development.

The Grange Play Park - Omagh

June 2023

• Parks Development

• Playpark and sensory area visit, as part of the Play Development Forum Meeting.

• Research into what works well and what improvements could be made.

Garden Escapes Research Site Visits – Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council area

August 2023

• Parks Development

• Site visits to view play equipment.

• Knowledge development.

Leave No Trace Awareness Course - Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council

April 2023

• Parks Development

• Best practice learning.

• Knowledge development.

Urban Green Spaces in NI - Belfast City Council and Queens University, Belfast

June 2023

• Parks Development

• Best practice learning.

• Knowledge development.

NI Forest School Association Conference

September 2023

• Parks Development

• Conference.
• Best practice learning.
• Workshops to learn new skills.

• Knowledge development for application in the Council’s programmes, for example, Growing Clubs.

Playboard NI and Mae Murray Foundation Launch

March 2024

• Parks Development

• Launch of the ADAPT toolkit at Stormont.

• Guidance for design and delivery of playparks for all abilities.

Templemore Baths Museum Team site visit

August 2023

• Tourism, Arts and Culture

• To experience the new heritage attraction guided tour, and learn about income streams and approaches to building an audience.

• Helpful in developing ideas to build the heritage offering in the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area.

Tourist Attractions- Ards and North Down Borough Council

August 2023

• Tourism, Arts and Culture

• To discuss their approach to the operation of key tourist attractions, the type of contracts used, and lessons learned to date.

• Helpful in developing the post project approach for City Deal tourism projects.

Shared Island Scheme - Waterford City and County Council

September 2023

• Tourism, Arts and Culture

• To discuss funding opportunities and the potential for joint projects through the Shared Island scheme.
• To review current challenges and opportunities with counterparts.
• Site visits to Arts venues in Waterford City.

• €50,000 has been secured to deliver a joint arts and culture programme between the two Council areas through Shared Island funding.

Site visit of The Courthouse, Bangor

February 2024

• City Deal
• Tourism, Arts and Culture

• A visit to the award-winning venue, and explore opportunities for arts and culture development through the City Deal Programme in Carrickfergus.

• The Tourism, Arts and Culture team are collaborating with the City Deal team to look at the design and interpretation concept for the Town Hall and Civic Centre Complex in Carrickfergus, with a view to creating a cultural hub within the town.

Belfast’s Old Town: Overground, Underground, what’s there to see? - Tour guide experience, Belfast

October 2023

• Tourism, Arts and Culture

• To experience the guided walking tour and explore how a similar product could be rolled out in Carrickfergus.

• A guided walking tour experience in Carrickfergus, with satellite museum stops throughout the town centre, would work well.

Theatre programming - Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

November 2023

• Tourism, Arts and Culture

• To discuss approaches to theatre programming and assess learnings or joint programming opportunities with the Theatre at the Mill.

• Helpful in assessing Theatre at the Mill’s commercial approach to programming.
• Limited opportunities for programming in collaboration.

Website development – Simpleview, other councils, Tourism NI Offices

June 2023

• Tourism, Arts and Culture

• To benchmark and share information on the website’s development.

• Shared ideas and best practise on how to get the most out of the website.

US Grant Ancestral Homestead - Mid Ulster District Council

September 2023

• Tourism, Arts and Culture

• To view and discuss the Grant Homestead interpretation and offering.
• To share best practice ideas on operating models, interpretation, and opportunities for collaboration to link the Homesteads.

• £25,000 has been secured from the Ulster Scots Agency for the manufacture and installation of interpretation at the Andrew Jackson Cottage.
• £29,000 has been secured from the Ulster Scots Agency for the design concepts for Arthur Cottage.

Dealing with Invasive Species – Lough Neagh Partnership

March 2024

• Parks and Open Spaces

• Knowledge development.

• Two new methods were learnt on how to deal with Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

Commemorative Garden Site Visit - Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Crematorium

February 2024

• Parks and Open Spaces

• To gain insights into best practice for the design of commemorative gardens, including columbarium, which will be applied to new cemetery sites in Larne and Carrickfergus.

• Discussed columbarium required for new Mid and East Antrim Borough Council cemeteries, and commemorative garden design with the Crematorium Manager.