CATERING AND FUNCTIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES OF THE NINTH MEETING

11 January 2000

HELD ON TUESDAY 11 JANUARY 2000
AT 2.30PM IN ROOM 106

Present: Ms M Gildernew
Sir John Gorman

In the Chair: Sir John Gorman

In attendance: Mr T Evans
Mr J Floyd
Mr P Waddell
Mr T Gilgunn - Government Purchasing Agency
Mr P Clarke - Deloitte & Touche

Apologies: Mr P Berry
Mr PJ Bradley

The purpose of the meeting was to consider the Project Initiation Document as presented to the Committee by Paul Clarke. The document was discussed as follows.

1. PROJECT ORGANISATION

The roles and responsibilities within the Project Board and Project Team would require further consideration by the Assembly.

2. PROJECT CONTROLS

Subject to the availability of Members, meetings of the Project Board would be arranged for weeks commencing 31 January and 14 February. Additional meetings would be arranged as required. GPA should be represented at the meetings.

3. PROJECT PLAN

Project Scoping

3.1 Mr Clarke reported that John Dix and Jenny Small had spent a productive day in Parliament Buildings on 7 January when, as a result of meetings with Rev Coulter, Mount Charles, and Symonds, they had gained a good understanding of the existing catering arrangements. Meetings would also be required with Alan Rodgers and Percy Johnston to consider recruitment issues and TUPE.

3.2 It was agreed that meetings with Westminster, the Dail, and the Scottish Assembly would be essential and that, as far as possible, the consultants would be accompanied by Assembly Members or Officials.

Customer Needs Assessment

3.3 It was agreed that the draft Members Questionnaire would require detailed consideration, and that the Assembly would seek the advice of Sue Harrison on the its layout and content. Mr Clarke stressed the urgency of getting a speedy response. Questionnaires for Assembly Secretariat staff would also need to be considered.

3.4 Rev Coulter had agreed to arrange the distribution and return of questionnaires within the Ulster Unionist Party, and it was agreed that Committee Members would be asked to do likewise within their respective Parties

3.5 An All-Party Notice would be issued to urge Members to respond to the questionnaire within the specified deadline.

Option Appraisal

3.6 It was agreed that a small number of practical options should be presented.

Jim Floyd