The European Concept For Accessibility 2003

4.1.5 Management

It is important to bear in mind that each local council should draw up a City for All Plan in accordance with its customs,

Scope of responsibilities and possibilities. Thus, our aim in this section is to illustrate a possible model – by no means the only one – based on the creation of a working party which we shall call "the City for All Plan Team". This team should be led politically by a senior member of local government and should include representatives from each of the areas involved in the plan. The Council should also appoint a Team Co-ordinator.

• Table proposals for large-scale interventions so that they receive Council approval.

• Approve minor work and modifications.

• Monitor the development of the work.

• Prepare the technical planning for the next term of office.

• Act as a negotiating body with respect to sources of external funding.

• Detect any irregularities.

• Take any necessary internal disciplinary or, in the case of external agencies, legal measures.

• Meet with residents.

• Prepare the material to be disseminated.

Experience has shown that, provided the co-ordinator is closely involved in the activity and the control mechanisms are correct, then a bimonthly group meeting is sufficient to ensure that the plan develops properly.

The role of the co-ordinator is to ensure that:

• The initial diagnosis is documented in a format that guarantees the constant updating of data.

• Control mechanisms are developed and maintained.

• The experts with responsibility for projects within the plan have the necessary training and supervision.

• The philosophy behind the plan is communicated internally to the local Council and social agencies.

• The necessary modifications are carried out and documented.

• Periodic management reports are drawn up, along with a report that summarises the planning.

• All opportunities for external funding are taken advantage of.

• The technical planning for the next term of office is drawn up.

• The accessibility commitment of the city has really been increased.

In summary, the work of the co-ordinator is fundamental for the plan, as good management will maximise the interventions with a minimum of necessary resources.