How the LSP was formed

Since 2000, local authorities across the country have had a legal obligation to establish Local Strategic Partnerships and prepare Community Plans for their areas.

Rother District Council's approach in 2002 was to go out to consultation with their "Tell Us What You Think" document, the results of which were analysed and fed into the preparation of the Rother Community Profile by the University of Brighton.

The Council then held its first Community Forum in February 2003 where over sixty people attended representing organisations from within and outside Rother. Attendees were invited to help shape the LSP's vision and make up of the LSP Board.

A proposed membership structure was put to all who attended the Forum and all attendees were invited to comment and make suggestions as to who should be on the Board. Forms were returned and some made suggestions as to the make up of the Board, based on the nine priority areas and other important cross cutting issues.

The Rother LSP Board held its first meeting in May 2003 and currently meets on a quarterly basis (although this will become bi-monthly from 2006).