CATERING AND FUNCTIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES OF THE FOURTEENTH MEETING
30 April 2001
HELD ON MONDAY 30 APRIL 2001 AT 1.30PM
IN ROOM 106
Present: Ms J Morrice
Ms P Lewsley
Mr P Berry
Ms M Gildernew
In the Chair: Sir John Gorman
In attendance: Mr P Carlisle, Ms C Cleland, Mr J Floyd, Mrs C McGowan.
Mr D MacGreevy was in attendance for Agenda Item 6.
1. The minutes of the thirteenth meeting were accepted.
2. MATTERS ARISING
2.1 Members' Coffee Lounge
The Chairman informed members that a discreet buzzer system has now been installed in the Members' bar which would alert Mount Charles staff to the presence of Members in the lounge.
2.2 Pay structure for Mount Charles staff
The Chairman informed Members that this matter has now been resolved and the contract had been signed.
3. CATERING CONTRACT
Mr Carlisle advised Members that the Office of the Assembly Commission had been able to negotiate a reduction to the cost of GPA services.
Members reviewed and approved the critical path submitted by the Government Purchasing Agency. A working group, comprising two Committee members, the Clerk to the Catering and Functions Committee and a representative from the Office of the Keeper, is to compile the specification for the new contract. The Committee agreed that a meeting with the Government Purchasing Agency should be arranged as soon as possible.
4. DELOITTE AND TOUCHE REPORT
Mr Floyd updated Members on progress in relation to the agreed recommendations of the Deloitte and Touche report.
4.1 Pricing Policy
Mr Floyd will provide a full update on progress at the next meeting.
4.2 Members' Dining Room
Following discussion on adaptations to the Members' Dining Room, Members agreed that Ms Cleland produce a paper for the next meeting to include the following considerations on a pilot basis:
- that the Members' Dining Room provide a combination of self and table service;
- that all staff are allowed access to the Members' Dining Room on Fridays.
4.3 Press Bar
Mr Floyd informed Members that there had been an increase in the numbers using the Press Bar over the last few months. The Committee agreed that there was a need to market the Press Bar and that consideration is given to renaming the facility.
Members requested that the Office of the Keeper investigate the possibility of extending the bar into the courtyard area and present a paper to the next meeting.
5. GIFT SHOP
Members agreed the Terms of Reference for research into the development of the product range available for sale. Mr Carlisle is to take forward to the Assembly Commission for approval to issue.
6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
6.1 Tours/use of basement restaurant
Mr MacGreevy informed Members of recent problems that were experienced in relation to large groups of visitors using the Basement Restaurant. The Committee agreed that a paper be produced for consideration at the next meeting.
6.2 Fairtrade
Mr Carlisle informed the Committee of the oral question on Fairtrade and the exhibition on the 1st floor. Members were advised that Mount Charles had been successful in sourcing additional Fairtrade products for both the Basement Restaurant and Gift Shop. A list would be made available to the next meeting.
6.3 Trip to Edinburgh
Mr Carlisle apprised the Committee of a recent visit to the Scottish Parliament Visitors Centre and Gift Shop. The Committee agreed that a further visit should be organised for representatives from the Catering and Functions Committee in the near future.
Ms Morrice asked that further consideration be given to the provision and location of an information / education centre.
6.4 "Cost of inflation" increase in restaurant prices
The Committee agreed to delegate responsibility for approval of minor 'cost of inflation' increases to the Office of the Keeper.
7. Date of next meeting
To be arranged
Paul Carlisle
Rm 105
