The main decision making body of the PPN is the Plenary (i.e. all the independent member groups) which should meet at least twice every year to review the workings of the PPN and set the agenda for the coming period. The elected Secretariat is responsible for the administration of the PPN between Plenary meetings. Subsets of the PPN such as Linkage Groups also inform the process. This is a new way of working which differs from a traditional hierarchical structure and is undoubtedly challenging. However, there is much evidence around the country of it operating well.
Plenary
The Plenary (all the member organisations together) is the key decision maker of the PPN, meeting at least twice a year. Their role is to direct the operation of the PPN, setting overall PPN policy and processes. Decisions made between Plenary meetings, including the election of representatives, should be presented for ratification to the following meeting. Each independent member group has one vote in the Plenary. Plenary meetings are an ideal forum for member groups to meet and network and to hear about matters of interest to them. The Plenary is also charged with developing a wellbeing statement for this and future generations in the area. The Plenary usually meets in May and November.
Secretariat
The Secretariat is elected by the PPN members, to be representative of the different geographical areas and the three pillars. It is an administrative body only, responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of the PPN. Find out more about the Secretariat here.
Governance
PPN Representatives are members of the PPN who are elected to represent the issues of PPN members on a particular Board or Committee. A PPN Representative does not represent the group they are a member of, they represent the PPN and are guided by their linkage group. Find out more about the PPN Reps here.
The work of the Galway County PPN is set out in the Workplan which is drafted by the Secretariat and Workers and agreed by the Plenary.
The Galway County PPN is hosted by the Galway County Council this hosting agreement is set out in a yearly Service Level Agreement. The PPN and GCC also agree to work together, including sharing budgetary oversight. This relationship is set out in a Memorandum of Understanding, along with the PPN Budget.
The Governance Documents can be found below:
