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PPN 2026 Draft workplan and budget

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Dublin City Public Participation Network (PPN)

2026 Draft Workplan

This 2026 draft workplan and budget for Dublin City PPN is informed by several documents: the Dublin City PPN’s Five-Year Strategic Plan (2022), the PPN Handbook (2020), the PPN Implementation Roadmap (July 2024), and the 2025 Workplan Reports. It also incorporates new requirements for 2026, including the tendering of a new Five-Year Strategic Plan, expanded support for Pillar Working Groups, and an enhanced approach to training, communications, and member engagement.

The 2026 draft workplan is to be agreed by Secretariat, ratified at the November Plenary, and implemented by PPN staff, Secretariat, Representatives, the PPN host (Dublin City Volunteer Centre) and PPN member groups.

Objective One: Optimising the PPN Network

Goals:

  • Facilitate the effective participation and representation of the members of Dublin City PPN in policy and decision-making fora.
  • Consolidate and strengthen the membership base of Dublin City PPN, continuing to develop it as a networking and information hub.
  • Optimise the effectiveness of training, networking, and information-sharing functions through a targeted Communications Strategy and Action Plan.

Actions, Responsibilities & Targets

1.1 Equity, Diversity & Inclusivity (EDI) work

  • Support the Disability Thematic Group (9 monthly meetings, an event to support Make Way Day, a media training session) and the Migrant Thematic Group (one event to support Inclusion and Integration Week/Africa Day and ongoing events linked to the Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT)).

1.2 Communications:

  • Continue to review and improve communications on the PPN website.  Analyse content, and re-write where necessary, to make the website more user friendly, accessible, and easier to read. 
  • Post weekly bulletins (with planned pauses in July/August).
  • Increase quality and consistency of social media (Facebook, LinkedIn).

1.3 Database & Membership:

  • Maintain Salesforce database.
  • Conduct a re-registration process for the 1000 member groups within the database, with CommIT.
  • Host 9 online “new member meetup information sessions” during 2026
  • Continue to discuss the removal of compulsory PPN membership as a DCC grant criterion.

1.4 Community Media Presence:

  • Regular appearances on community radio (NearFM, Phoenix FM, etc.) to promote the work of the PPN to the wider network.

Objective Two: Organisational Development and Capacity Building

Goals:

  • Strengthen capacity of member organisations through targeted training, networking, and advisory support.
  • Develop strategic relationships with key actors in the not-for-profit sector across Dublin City.

Actions, Responsibilities & Targets

2.1 Support for Representatives & Secretariat:

  • Tender for structured training supports for Representatives and Secretariat in Q1 2026.
  • Introduce a monthly “Reps Night In” zoom session for PPN Representatives to share challenges, skills and supports with one another.
  • Continue Secretariat advisory committee of past Representatives/Secretariat members.
  • Ensure vacant Representative/Secretariat positions are filled as required.

2.2 Training & Supports for Members:

  • Develop a spring and autumn programme of workshops based on 2025 training needs survey report and recommendations. 
  • PPN/DCU Summer School to be held in June 2026.
  • Promote external training (e.g. Dublin City Volunteer Centre, the Partnerships, The Wheel, Carmichael, The Carmelite Centre).

2.3 Pillar Working Groups:

  • Each of the three pillar groups (Community & Voluntary, Social Inclusion, Environment) to meet four times annually:
    • Twice at plenary sessions (May & November).
    • Twice outside plenaries (February & October), with activities alternating between social gatherings and training workshops.

Objective Three: Governance, Administration & Operating Procedures

Goals:

  • Ensure strong governance and accountability within Dublin City PPN.
  • Demonstrate best practice and alignment with national frameworks.

Actions, Responsibilities & Targets

3.1 New Five-Year Plan:

  • Tender for development of new Dublin City PPN Strategic Plan (2027–2031) in Q1 2026.  A review of the PPN Constitution/and policy documents to be included in this process.
  • Broad consultation process to include member groups, Secretariat, DCC, Pillar Working Groups and member groups who are not actively involved in the work of the PPN.

3.2 Plenaries:

  • Two hybrid plenaries in 2026 (May & November), with dedicated space for networking, pillar group meetings, and training.

3.3 Regional & National Networking:

  • Staff to attend quarterly Dublin regional PPN meetings and the annual workers’ retreat.
  • Dublin City PPN to participate in the National PPN Conference and National Secretariat Network.

3.4 Secretariat:

  • Continue monthly online meetings of the Secretariat.
  • To work more closely with the Pillar Working Groups.

3.5 Reporting Requirements:

  • Submit Income & Expenditure Report (Q1), Annual Report (Q2), and 2027 draft workplan & budget (Q4) to the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
  • Hold quarterly review meetings with host (DCVC) and DCC.
  • Attend bi-weekly meetings with the host (DCVC).

3.6 Technology & DCC Support:

  • Continue to support members through hybrid and online tools (Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp, Salesforce, Monday.com, etc.).
  • Collaborate with DCC on LECP implementation, consultations, and citywide events (Inclusion & Integration Week, Africa Day).
  • Continue area-office mapping exercise to strengthen ties between PPN Reps and DCC local areas.

Summary

The 2026 workplan builds on the strong foundation of 2025 while adding sharper focus and ambition. The development of a new Five-Year Strategic Plan will guide the PPN into the next phase, while expanded Pillar Working Group activity will deepen member participation and ensure a stronger collective voice. Improved communications, expanded training, and continued good governance will keep Dublin City PPN at the forefront of social inclusion and community representation across the city.

Dublin City PPN – 2026 Timeline

Quarter 1 (Jan–Mar)

  • New 5-Year Plan: Tender for Strategic Plan 2027–2031 (consultant appointed, consultation process begins).
  • Training Supports: Tender for structured training for Reps & Secretariat.
  • Secretariat Advisory Committee: reconvenes as required.
  • Income & Expenditure Report: completed and submitted by March.
  • Pillar Working Groups: February meetings (outside plenary) – focus on training/social activities (possibly media/communication training).
  • Regional/National Networking: PPN staff attend quarterly Dublin regional meeting; online National PPN staff forum.
  • Communications: Weekly Bulletins (except holiday pauses), website review, updates, social media plan refreshed.
  • Membership: Re-reregistration undertaken, as per directions from DRCDG.

Quarter 2 (Apr–Jun)

  • Plenary (May): hybrid plenary with pillar working group meetings, networking, and presentation of progress.
  • Summer School (June): with DCU CER, focus on inclusion, misinformation, and leadership development.
  • Annual Report: submitted by June, co-signed with host & DCC.
  • Secretariat Monthly Meetings: ongoing governance.
  • Policy & Procedures Review: mid-year review to ensure compliance with Implementation Roadmap.
  • Regional/National Networking: Staff networking lunch with other Dublin PPNs; national online staff meeting.
  • Communications: Weekly Bulletins (except holiday pauses), website review, updates.

Quarter 3 (Jul–Sep)

  • Training & Supports: Autumn training series developed (based on member survey and needs identified at Summer School).
  • Regional Networking: staff lunch with DLR/Fingal colleagues.
  • National Engagement: Staff and Secretariat attend PPN National Conference (likely September).
  • Communications: Summer pause in July/August for Bulletins; resume in September.
  • New Member Sessions: resume in September (last Tuesday of the month).
  • Secretariat Meetings: continue online second Tuesday of each month.
  • Communications: Weekly Bulletins (except holiday pauses), website review, updates.

Quarter 4 (Oct–Dec)

  • Pillar Working Groups: October meetings (outside plenary) – mix of training and social activities.
  • Plenary (Nov): second hybrid plenary, with space for networking and review of workplan & budget for 2027.
  • 2027 Draft Workplan & Budget: presented at November Plenary, finalised for submission to DRCD.
  • Quarterly Host/DCC/PPN Review: final meeting to reflect on 2026 and plan ahead.
  • End-of-Year Communications: final round-up newsletter / “PPN Pulse.” (to be developed by PPN Representatives)
  • Secretariat Meetings: 2 meetings in Q4, with one used as a social/Christmas holiday meeting.
  • Communications: Weekly Bulletins (except holiday pauses), website review, updates.
Draft Budget      
Staff Training/Recruitment                     –3000
Office Supplies/Services   200
Telephone     300
Postage     100
Bank Interest & Charges   60
Through Dublin City Volunteer Centre    
Communication      
Continue to improve the quality of online communications via the website:3000
Membership      
Cost for 6 people to attend the National Conference  2026 2500
Cost of 2 workers to attend the Workers’ Retreat  500
4 x regional meetings    500
Disability thematic group    2000
Migrant thematic group    2000
PPN Advisory Group meetings    500
Secretariat meetings    1000
New member welcome meetings   1000
Pillar working group meetings    900
Plenaries      
2 hybrid meetings     6000
Elections      
Election Buddy costs for ongoing elections   1000
Capacity Building/Training    
Development of a PPN 5 Year Strategic Plan (with review of policies/constitution).10000
Strategic training/support for Pillar Working Group (content) 5000
PPN and Centre for Engaged Research (DCU) Summer School 1000
DLR and Carmichael online supports   1000
Equipment      
Staff laptops/mobile phones    500
Volunteer Recognition     
Thank you gifts to Representatives and Secretariat at year end 3000
        
        
        
        
  Core Budget TOTAL:45060

Coordinator Salary (Grade 4) (Not Pro-Rata):  Increased from €44, 915 to €46, 153

Support Worker Salary (Grade 3) (Not Pro-Rata):  Increased from €37, 789 to €39, 992

(for closer parity with other PPNs).  To be incrementally increased in 5 points, 2026 = year one.  Forsa local government salary scales

FRSA local government salary scalesSupport Worker Salary Costs: