Public Participation Networks latest news
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
The Wheel will provide training sessions in Human Resources and Governance this February. Further detail and how to register can be found below.
Please register your place here.
This workshop will be delivered by Kim Glanville, HR & Employment Law Executive at Adare HRM and will cover the following:
The Legal Framework
A brief introduction to the key definitions and legal framework regarding Employment Equality, Discrimination, Bullying and Harassment at work. This element aims to provide attendees with an understanding of the behaviours and risks arising for the Organisation where discrimination, bullying or harassment occurs, and an understanding of how bullying behaviour differs from discrimination or harassment.
Policy and Procedure
An overview of Dignity at Work policies in relation to dignity and respect, workplace bullying and harassment and an outline of the obligations and entitlements stemming from the statutory requirements is provided.
Case Studies
Case studies are used to highlight the importance and consequences of these key areas and to ensure Organisations understand their application.
The workshop is intended for new and experienced members of PPNs, including those taking up a position on a PPN Secretariat. It is intended that the module will briefly revisit the guidance on the establishment and management of PPNs as set out in the PNN Handbook and introduce learners to good governance principles and practices applicable in a variety of situations and organisation types.
This workshop will be delivered by Gerry Egan, a consultant and trainer who works with a variety of commercial and non-profit clients specialising in corporate governance, data protection, and strategy and change. He is a Chartered Director, and Company Secretary and serves on the board of a charity.
The PPN Annual Report 2022 is available to read in bilingual version below.
A look back on some major events in 2022 for the Public Participation Networks
Hosting Arrangements Webinar
Please find the slides and recording from our Hosting Arrangements Webinar from 25th October 2023, facilitated by Allen McAdam
Please find workshop material from training sessions provided by The Wheel for PPN stakeholders.
Basics of Employment and HR Practice - Sarah Fagan, Adare
Successful Communication for Community Groups and Voluntary Boards - Carol Conway, Freelance Catalyst
Leading Communities, the Role of the Board or Committee Member – Carol Conway, Freelance Catalyst
Social Media – Gert Ackerman, The Wheel
Procurement – Andrea Shupinski
Strategic Planning – Luna Atkins 2into3
Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development, Charities and Integration, Joe O’Brien, has launched a new national awareness campaign to encourage community groups to join their local Public Participation Networks (PPN).
Public Participation Networks allow local authorities to connect with community groups around the country and give people a greater say in local government decisions that affect their communities.
Each county and city in Ireland has its own PPN and more than 18,000 community and voluntary groups are currently members.
Examples of projects and initiatives undertaken by PPNs include:
Speaking at an event to launch a new national awareness campaign for Public Participation Networks, Minister O’Brien said:
“Public Participation Networks give communities across Ireland a voice in local decision-making and bring valuable on-the-ground, experience and expertise into local and national policy development.
“The strength and impact of PPNs can be seen in how they represented volunteers and community groups within the responses to COVID-19, working with local authorities and state agencies.
“Through local action, PPNs also contribute to policymaking at national level, such as the development of the Climate Action Plan 2021, when PPNs hosted and facilitated import/ant local community conversations around the country.”
Cliona Kelliher from Kildare PPN said:
“More than a thousand PPN representatives are currently on boards and committees of local decision-making bodies.
“They are contributing to decisions on climate, transport, migrant integration, community health and wellbeing, policing and many more.
“We hope this awareness campaign encourages more people to have their voices and views heard.”
John Mulholland, CEO of Laois CoCo and Chair of the CCMA Rural Development, Community, Culture and Heritage (RCCH) Committee said:
“The PPN structures offer Local Authorities a way to collaborate directly with volunteer community groups, who do so much for their localities.
“PPNs play an important role in developing our key policies and strategies, and each Local Authority provides considerable support to their local PPNs in recognition of this.
“This campaign will boost the profiles of PPNs, which is well-deserved in light of their work.”
Membership of a local PPN also gives groups access to a range of other benefits including bespoke training programmes, information on funding and grants, and on proposals or decisions being made in their county, as well as networking and learning opportunities with other local organisations.
Another aim of the campaign, launched today, is to encourage groups that represent young and marginalised people to join their local PPN.
Concluding, Minister O’Brien said:
“I am delighted to launch the Public Participation Networks awareness campaign today.
“We want to highlight their important role and functions so people know how Public Participation Networks allow them to make a difference and ‘build a better future’ and better communities for everyone.
“I want to invite groups around the country to join their local PPN and help shape local solutions to local issues.”
Each local authority area has a PPN. Find your local Public Participation Network.