The Denbighshire Objective 1 Partnership was formed in the Autumn of 1999 following extensive public consultation during the Summer of the same year. The consultation included both the National Assembly's own consultation on the Single Programme Document and also Denbighshire County Council's proposals for the creation of a local partnership. The consultation process provided unanimous support for the creation of a local partnership.

The Partnership is steered by an Executive Group consisting of 18 voting members (based on the thirds principle advocated by the National Assembly for Wales). There are six public sector representatives; six representatives of the social (private) sector; and six representatives from the community / voluntary sector. The Executive serves to approve Objective 1 project applications which are submitted to the Partnership and to ensure that decision making processes are fair and representative of the various community interests within Denbighshire.

The Executive Group is assisted by Task Groups. Currently there are two Task Groups covering business and community development. Each Task Group is composed of a wide representation from relevant sectors. Most of the members of each Task Group have an active involvement in the area under discussion either as representatives of agencies involved or as potential beneficiaries of the Objective 1 programme activities. The Task Group's main purpose is to assist in the identification and development of projects which address local economic and social/economic needs and to ensure that submitted bids fulfil local objectives.

The Executive receives further guidance form a Technical Group whose responsibility is to ensure that project applications comply with EU funding regulations. This group consists of members within the Partnership who possess specialist skills in project development and EU funding requirements. The Technical Group largely consist of members of public sector organisations such as the County Council, WDA, colleges and ELWa.

Proceedings within the Denbighshire Local Objective 1 Partnership are facilitated by the Secretariat. The Objective 1 team within the County Council undertake this role. The secretariat ensures that: a note is taken of the decisions taken at the various meetings; papers are circulated to all members; information is circulated as widely as possible; the Objective 1 programme is promoted locally; in depth assistance is provided to all potential project sponsors. Click here for further information regarding meeting schedules and minutes of Executive Group meetings.

One of the Partnership's first priorities was to develop a strategy to provide a steer on how Objective 1 resources should be allocated within the county. The Denbighshire Local Strategy, identifies a series of key objectives amongst which are encouraging economic growth by way of assisting business particularly in the manufacturing sector who possess growth potential, encouraging new companies into the county, developing training programmes to increase the range of workforce skills and to encourage greater participation of socially disadvantaged groups.

To date the Partnership has achieved considerable success in attracting EU funding resources into the county. A comprehensive programme of projects has been developed which will assist in improving the social and economic well being of Denbighshire's communities. This a tribute to the hard work of all concerned. For further information regarding some of the Objective 1 projects in Denbighshire click here, for information on how to apply for Objective 1 funding please click here.