Agenda item

Hospitality Working Party of the Policy and Resources Committee

To consider recommendations concerning the provision of hospitality.

Minutes:

HospitalityWorking Partyof the Policy and ResourcesCommittee

 

(Deputy Brian Desmond Francis Mooney, Chief Commoner)

 

Applications for Hospitality

 

(a)      Armed Forces Flag Day 2022

It was proposed that the City Corporation hosts a flag-raising ceremony followed by light refreshments at Guildhall on the afternoon of Friday 24th June 2022. 

 

Armed Forces Flag Day was established in 2009 to provide an opportunity to show support for members of the Armed Forces and service families, with the day forming part of a week of activity across the country to raise public awareness of the contribution made by the Armed Forces. 

 

This event would support the following Corporate Plan outcomes: to promote effective progression through fulfilling education and employment (outcome 3c); to bring individuals and communities together to share experiences and promote wellbeing, mutual respect and tolerance (outcome 4a); and to advocate and facilitate greater levels of giving time, skills, knowledge, advice and money (outcome 5d).

 

Resolved - That hospitality be granted for a flag-raising ceremony followed by light refreshments and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; the costs to be met from City’s Cash within approved parameters.

 

(b)      London Tourism Awards 2022 Early Evening Reception

It was proposed that the City Corporation hosts an evening reception following the 2022 London Tourism Awards Ceremony at Guildhall on Thursday 10th March 2022.

 

London and Partners, as part of their work to promote London internationally, attract investment and support growth, manage the annual London Tourism Awards. The awards recognise the most successful and innovative businesses in the tourism sector in London.

 

The event would support the following Corporate Plan outcomes: to provide access to world-class heritage, culture and learning to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds (outcome 3b); to cultivate excellence in academia, sport and creative performing arts (outcome 3d); and to promote the City, London and the UK as attractive and accessible places to live, learn, work and visit (outcome 8d).

 

Resolved - That hospitality be granted for an evening reception at the conclusion of the 2022 London Tourism Awards Ceremony and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash within approved parameters.

 

(c)      Dinner to mark the first United Nations Plant Health Day

It was proposed that the City Corporation hosts a dinner in the Livery Hall on Thursday 12th May 2022 to mark the first United Nations Plant Health Day.

 

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2020 the International Year of Plant Health.  The campaign aimed to raise global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, protect the environment and boost economic development.  It has been proposed that each year 12th May will be recognised as International Day of Plant Health and, subject to formal endorsement by the UN General Assembly, 2022 was expected to be the first year that this is marked.

 

The event would support the following Corporate Plan outcomes: to create and transform buildings, streets and public spaces for people to admire and enjoy (outcome 10c); to provide thriving and biodiverse green spaces and urban habitats (outcome 11b); and to provide environmental stewardship and advocacy, in use of resources, emissions, conservation, greening, biodiversity and access to nature (outcome 11c).

 

Resolved - That hospitality be granted for a dinner and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Open Spaces and City Gardens Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash within approved parameters.

 

(d)      Youth Interfaith Iftar

It was proposed that the City Corporation host, in conjunction with the Naz Foundation, an Iftar at Tower Bridge on Tuesday 12th April 2022.

 

The Naz Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to promote excellence in education and positive integration into British society. In 2016 the Foundation organised the first interfaith Iftar event at Lambeth Palace. In 2019, the event was held at St Paul’s Cathedral and Guildhall. The City Corporation agreed to support an interfaith Iftar in 2020 at the Tower of London, but the event had to be cancelled because of the pandemic.

 

The event would support the following Corporate Plan outcomes: to promote and champion diversity, inclusion and the removal of institutional barriers and structural inequalities (outcome 3a); to provide access to world-class heritage, culture and learning to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds (outcome 3b); and to bring individuals and communities together to share experiences and promote wellbeing, mutual respect and tolerance (outcome 4a).

 

Resolved - That hospitality be granted for an Iftar following an interfaith group discussion at Tower Bridge and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; the costs to be met from City’s Cash within approved parameters.

 

(e)      Report of Urgent Action Taken: Lunch to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the founding of UK Sport

The Court noted that, in accordance with Standing Order No. 19, urgent authority had been sought to the City Corporation hosting a lunch in January 2022 to mark the 25th anniversary of the foundation of UK Sport.

 

UK Sport was the government agency that supports Olympic and Paralympic sport in the UK and was an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

 

Urgent approval was sought and granted to the City Corporation hosting a lunch in January 2022 to mark the 25th anniversary of the foundation of UK Sport. The event would look to celebrate the achievements of UK Sport over the last 25 years and acknowledge the role it has played in improving elite sport in the UK as well as in advancing its reputation overseas.

 

Resolved – That the action taken under urgency procedures be noted.

 

(f)        Report of Urgent Action Taken: Early Evening reception for the Women of the Future Summit 2021

The Court noted that, in accordance with Standing Order No. 19, urgent authority had been sought to the City Corporation hosting an early evening reception on Tuesday 16th November 2021 on the eve of the Women of the Future Summit.

 

Women of the Future was a not-for-profit organisation which aimed to encourage a new generation of female leaders across business, media, culture and public service.  The Summit provides a forum for current and future leaders and is the main event of the Women of the Future’s annual programme.  As in 2020, the Summit was to be held virtually owing to the global pandemic.

 

Urgent approval was sought and obtained to the City Corporation hosting an early evening reception on the eve of the Summit.  This would enable Summit attendees based in London wanting to network in person an opportunity to be able to do so in advance of the virtual summit.

 

Resolved – That the action taken under urgency procedures be noted.

 

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