Vision for Kent - Next Steps

So what are the next steps for the Vision for Kent?

Publication

Copies of the Vision for Kent are now available through the Kent Partnership Office on request. The full document and a colourful public summary leaflet are available in local libraries and local authority offices. An electronic version is also available via this website and the KCC website.

Activity Mapping

Since the Vision was published in 2006 the Kent Partnership team has been mapping the connections between the aspirations in the V4K and those in partner plans, policies and strategies. The activity mapping process was developed to focus on the Short Term Priorities within the 8 V4K themes (i.e. priorities which need to be achieved between 2006-2011).

The process focuses on identifying:

• What activity is already happening across our key partners that is helping to achieve the priorities in the V4K?
• What activity is already planned for the period 2006-2011 in existing plans and strategies that could help achieve the priorities in the V4K?
• Are there any major gaps in activity?
• What are the inter-related links between the priorities i.e. where do priorities impact on more than one theme?

This is an ongoing project that will help provide a robust evidence base of how the Vision is becoming a reality. The information available can be customised to suit your needs - please contact the Kent Partnership Office for more details.

Why is the activity mapping important?

• Provides an ongoing record of evidence for V4K progress reports (every 2 years) and reviews (every 5 years)
• Demonstrates the clear link between the V4K and Kent Agreement (as required in the Local Government White Paper)
• Satisfies the requirements for Sustainable Community Strategies in current government guidance and the Local Government White Paper
• Will help inform what priorities are chosen to feature in the next Kent Agreement
• Highlights potential shared areas of work with districts and area clusters as part of the enhanced 2-tier working agenda
• Provides an evidence base for the "Partnership Working" element of CPA and CAA particularly in respect of District-Level Sustainable Community Strategies.
• Builds and develops partnership relationships based on shared priorities

Looking Forward

The Kent Partnership has expressed its commitment to commissioning progress reports on the Vision every two years and a full review every five years. There will also be an annual conference to share information and discuss progress and issues as they arise. The Kent Partnership will continue to champion activity working to tackle the 7 Future Challenges.

The Kent Agreement had 18 Outcomes that account for around 50% of the priorities in the Vision for Kent. The Kent Agreement is the principle "delivery plan" for the Vision, and the new agreement takes forward the V4K aspirations and the 8 themes have formed the strategic framework for the entire agreement process of Kent Agreement 2.