This report sets out the latest progress on developments relating to the Mapledurham Playing Fields and proposals for amendments to the Management Committee composition and Terms of Reference.

The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report setting out proposals for changes to the Mapledurham Playing Fields Management Committee.  The following documents were attached to the report:

·         Appendix 1 – Proposed new Paragraph 5 for the Charity Commission Scheme on the Committee of Management

·         Appendix 2 – Proposed new Mapledurham Management Committee Terms of Reference

The report noted that the development of the proposal to build the school had resulted in a number of requests for the management committee make up to be reviewed, and changes made to reflect the involvement of organisations representing beneficiaries and making use of the Playing Fields and its facilities. Local groups with significant current involvement included Mapledurham Lawn Tennis Club, Caversham Trents Football Club and Warren and District Residents Association. When the school opened another large group of beneficiaries would be making use of the playing fields introducing a range of both opportunities and pressures.

The Sub Committee were asked to consider proposals for a revised Management Committee of between seven and nine members with the following representatives:

·         Two individuals appointed by Reading Borough Council

·         An individual appointed by Reading Borough Council who is a Reading Borough Councillor from the ward in which the playing fields are situated

·         A representative of Mapledurham Parish Council

·         A representative of the Football Club

·         A representative from the Tennis Club

·         A representative of other major users of the Playing Fields

·         A representative from the local residents association (WADRA)

·         A representative from the School Head teacher/Governor/Parents

A draft set of provisions reflecting the above and other aspects of the composition of the Management Committee and conflicts of interest was attached to the report.

At the meeting it was recommended that the proposals be amended to specify that members of the public could attend Management Committee meetings as observers, that the Chair of the Committee would be elected by secret ballot, and that the provision to allow electronic meetings be kept under review to ensure that transparency was maintained.

Resolved –

          That the proposed new Paragraph 5 for the Charity Commission Scheme on the Committee of Management (Appendix 1) and proposed new Mapledurham Management Committee Terms of Reference (Appendix 2) be adopted with the amendments recommended at the meeting.