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Working Groups

Working Groups carry out projects in their area of interest as directed by the Parish Council.

Working Groups are formed from both councillors and members of the parish who have an interest or some expertise in a particular area. They meet to discuss issues, explore options and develop plans and recommendations which are then put to the Parish Council. They then act as directed by the Parish Council. They have no decision-making powers but the Parish Council can make decisions based on their findings.

Each Working Group is run by two or three councillors. Whilst most activity in a Working Group will be confined to those who have volunteered for that group, at times it may be necessary for other councillors to become involved. The involvement of members of the parish is essential in helping to ensure that the work done by the group is community-focused.

Each Working Group has its own terms of reference regarding objectives, scope and outcome(s). These are Parish Council approved. A Working Group may work on more than one project at a time and may have responsibilities which are effectively continuous

There are six working groups:

Amenities & Environment: This group manages parish amenities including the memorial garden, village green, public conveniences, and cemetery. It encourages environmentally responsible practices and promotes green energy and effective use of green spaces. The group reviews environmental documents sent to the Parish Council enabling it to respond and react appropriately. This group also acts as the contact point for all matters relating to the Children's and Young People's Playground and Parish Recreation Ground Charity (Reg No 288005) which owns the two playparks, Central Mead and May Close.

Communications & Community Engagement: This group works to improve how the Parish Council interacts with the public both in terms of how it shares information and news with the community and how it listens to and reacts to parish needs.

Emergency & Resilience: This group is dedicated to developing and implementing community resilience plans, addressing potential emergencies, and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. It also maintains and updates our local emergency plans, coordinates community support and liaises with all relevant authorities.

Finance and General Purposes: This group is responsible for monitoring and controlling the council's budget, recommending a precept that balances the needs of the community against the community's ability to pay, all staffing matters, training, and the monitoring and reviewing of Parish Council Policies. The Parish Clerk attends all finance meetings.

Planning, Roads & Byways: This group recommends responses to the Isle of Wight Planning Department for consideration by the Parish Council. It also deals with matters relating to roads, footpaths, rights of way, Speedwatch and road safety.

Strategy & Long-Term Plan: This group ensures that the Parish Council has all appropriate policies in place, that they are kept up-to-date and are implemented effectively. All policies are available for inspection on the Parish Council's website. This group also works over the longer term to evolve the current Parish Plan into an appropriate plan for the next period.

General Responsibilities of all Working Groups

  • To propose and manage identified budget(s) to support the working group’s needs
  • To make recommendations to the Parish Council on any matter that require a decision
  • To identify and suggest any appropriate training for Councillors and volunteers
  • To organise volunteer activity in relation to the working group
  • To keep residents informed of its activities by publishing in the Godshill Gazette and by providing updates at meetings of the Parish Council as and when appropriate
  • To review relevant Parish Council policies annually