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Devon Climate Task Force – 12 June 2025

Attendees

  • Claire Pearce, University of Plymouth (Chair)
  • Richard Betts, Met Office/ University of Exeter
  • Doug Eltham, Devon County Council
  • Emily Reed, Devon Climate Emergency (Secretariat)
  • Gill Westcott, Transition Exeter and New Prosperity Devon
  • Ian Hutchcroft, Energiesprong UK
  • Nik Bowyer, WSP
  • Holly Hoban
  • Mark Burton
  • Rod Birtles
  • Ian Bailey
  • Harriet Bell

1. Apologies and Introductions

Apologies Received:

  • William Jackson Nichols
  • Colin Taylor
  • George Middlemiss (represented by Holly Hoban)
  • Ashish Gadali
  • Patrick Devine Wright
  • Hannah Laurie
  • Gill Westcott and Nik Bowyer (partial attendance)

Introductions: Each attendee introduced themselves, their organisation, and shared something that made them smile recently.

2. Minutes of the Last Meeting

Actions Reviewed:

  • Communication Strategy: Will updated the Devon Climate Communication Strategy. Engagement with traditional media is ongoing; further development needed.
  • Monitoring Indicators: Online version circulated. Food and land use indicators under review for clarity. EPC data and climate adaptation indicators being processed by University of Exeter.
  • Low Carbon Procurement Officer Role: Incorporated into Devon County Council’s Environment Group restructure. Awaiting consultation.
  • Workshop Logistics (17 April): Venue and attendance confirmed.
  • Holdsworthy Biogas Plant Presentation: Deferred to future meeting.
  • Anti-Climate Graffiti: Raised with transport team; awaiting feedback.
  • Recommendations to Response Group: Transport actions reclassified as “red”; emphasis placed on holistic market development and media engagement.

Discussion Points:

  • Recycling Rates Decline: Gill Westcott raised concerns; Emily to follow up with waste team.
  • Heating Emissions: No significant reduction noted; further investigation needed.
  • Devolution and Transport Emissions: Concerns about increased travel due to large unitary authority size; Emily acknowledged but noted limited mandate to challenge government criteria.

ACTION: Emily to follow up with the waste team on declining recycling rates.

ACTION: Emily to explore implications of local government reorganisation on transport emissions and meeting accessibility.

ACTION: Include adaptation indicators shared by Harriet Bell (from Pete Falloon) in the minutes.

3. Questions Regarding the Overview Progress Report

Highlights:

  • Communications: Positive engagement metrics; deeper analysis of website traffic underway.
  • Local Actions:
    • NHS funding for decarbonisation.
    • Plymouth recognised as “Tree City of the World”.
    • Torridge expanding EV fleet.
    • Libraries Unlimited received £1.5M for climate engagement initiatives.
  • Devolution Update: County Combined Authority climate board forming; early stages of development.
  • Local Government Reorganisation: Ongoing discussions with central government.

Issues Raised:

  • Civil Liberties Concerns: Richard Betts suggested proactive communications to counter anti-net zero narratives. Emphasis on positive storytelling and media engagement.
  • Narrative Control: Ian Bailey highlighted influence of Reform UK and suggested expert input on climate communications.
  • Training for Councillors: Harriet Bell proposed climate literacy training; Emily noted previous efforts and ongoing review.
  • Co-Benefits Messaging: Holly Hoban recommended emphasising health, economy, and community benefits in communications.

ACTION: Emily to consult waste team on recycling trends.

ACTION: Emily to explore partnerships with comms experts (e.g. Saffron O’Neill, Alison Anderson).

ACTION: Consider training or briefings for new councillors.

ACTION: Explore proactive media strategies (e.g. press releases, local success stories).

4. Recommendations from the DCE Workshop with the Carbon Trust

Workshop Summary:

Strengths Identified:

  • Strategic frameworks (Carbon Plan, Adaptation Strategy).
  • Trust and networking among partners.
  • Public engagement and collective voice.
  • Influence on transport plans and funding bids.

Challenges Identified:

  • Limited resources and capacity.
  • Lack of clarity in partnership structure.
  • Inconsistent climate targets across organisations.
  • Need for senior leadership engagement.
  • Communications reach and effectiveness.

Key Recommendations:

Governance Refresh:

  • Clarify structure, roles, and responsibilities.
  • Response Group to act more like a board.
  • Develop a partnership map.
  • Review membership and engagement.

Collaboration Enhancement:

  • Engage commercial partners on projects.
  • Create a partnership directory.
  • Strengthen links with universities and other networks.

Visibility and Communication:

  • Targeted campaigns.
  • Improved media strategy.
  • Showcase success stories.

Delivery Focus:

  • Establish task and finish groups with SMART targets.
  • Trial new formats for idea sharing.
  • Maintain dual focus on adaptation and net zero.

Discussion Outcomes:

  • Task Group Structure: Preference for thematic clusters (e.g., retrofit, transport) with clear accountability and strategic oversight.
  • Quick Wins vs. Systemic Change: Mixed views; some advocated for low-hanging fruit, others for tackling complex systemic barriers.
  • Innovation Fund: Suggested as match funding support for SMEs.
  • Knowledge Sharing: Proposal for annual event or “task and finish families” to share project outcomes and foster cross-sector learning.
  • Celebration and Recognition: Ideas for awards or informal recognition to boost morale and acknowledge contributions.

ACTION: Emily to draft and circulate proposed recommendations to the Task Force for feedback.

ACTION: Emily to present refined recommendations to the Response Group in July.

ACTION: Emily to explore setting up smaller working groups to shape governance and structure.

ACTION: Consider an annual partnership event for knowledge sharing and celebration.

ACTION: Develop a scorecard for prioritising projects.

ACTION: Explore a directory of expertise and project updates.

5. Recommendations for the Response Group

To Be Circulated by Emily Reed:

  • Summary of Task Force input on workshop recommendations.
  • Suggestions for governance restructuring.
  • Emphasis on delivery, accountability, and communications.
  • Proposal for face-to-face networking and celebration events.
  • Consideration of benchmarking and monitoring indicators.

6. AOB (Any Other Business)

Offer to Support Restructure: Ian Hutchcroft volunteered to assist with partnership structure review.

Next Meeting Date: 9 September 2025 at 10:00 AM.

Interim Engagement: Emily will contact members with updates and requests before the next meeting.

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