The role and responsibilities of the Sure Start Management Committee 

The Department of Education's Sure Start Governance and Accountability Guidance Autumn 2013 ('the Guidance') states that the role of the Sure Start Management Committee is to be: "The main driver of the Sure Start project as a commissioned service, having responsibility for the project's operational management. The Committee is responsible for ensuring the achievement of Sure Start aims and objectives at a local level, and for the financial probity of the project, being corporately accountable to the Childcare Partnerships." The main role and responsibilities of Saol Úr's Management Committee are those set out in the Guidance which are to:

• Secure and maintain detailed knowledge of the local community to ensure that the Project can develop and respond to identified need.
• Promote collective ownership of the Project, ensuring that the achievement of Sure Start aims and objectives at local level are co-ordinated.
• Ensure effective partnership working within the Project, demonstrating commitment to a partnership approach (individually and collectively).
• Ensure a corporate approach to decision making on which services or activities should be developed and delivered within the objectives of the Sure Start Programme, in line with DE policy and in consultation with the Childcare Partnerships, as a commissioned service.
• Ensure that all core services are in place with appropriate Project support.
• Ensure that activities badged as Sure Start services are managed entirely within the budget allocated by DE, without supplement from other sources.
• Promote shared responsibility for Sure Start aims and objectives rather than using Sure Start to promote the aims of a particular agency/professional group.
• Ensure there are appropriate robust management and reporting systems in place to enable the Management Committee to fulfil its role in all aspects of managing the Project, including staff management, and both the performance and finances of the Project.
• Ensure that the Project budget is adhered to, and that remedial actions are taken on a timely basis with the prior approval of the Childcare Partnership.
• Ensure proper evaluation of the Sure Start Project through a process of business planning and reviews in line with the business cycle, supported by reflective planning as appropriate.
• Agree a contract of confidentiality within the Management Committee in relation to issues discussed and opinions expressed.
• Ensure reasonable actions to safeguard and manage Project assets.
• Management committee will focus on strategy and risk issues, and will avoid becoming focused on operational issues, unless necessary in order to be clear about a strategic issue or risk.

Current Management Committee members:

• Chair - Donal Mc Kinney - Upper Springfield Development Trust
• Brenda Smith - Newhill First Steps
• Paula Mc Murran - Action Ability Belfast
• Carole Mc Stravick - Matt Talbot Nursery School
• Olawunmi Olalekan Brown - Parent
• Siobhan Connolly - Holy Trinity Family Centre
• Mairead Breslin - Whiterock Children Centre
• Marie Louise Boyle - St. Martins Nursery School