Steering Group Terms of Reference

The Steering Group for the Bangor Business Improvement District serves as a guiding body during the development, planning, and implementation phases of the BID.

This TOR outlines the purpose, structure, and responsibilities of the Steering Group (SG) for the Bangor BID (BID).

1. Purpose of the Steering Group

The Steering Group for the Bangor Business Improvement District serves as a guiding body during the development, planning, and implementation phases of the BID. The SG will be in existence until a BID is formed and at this point it will be dissolved and a public recruitment process conducted to elect a board of directors who will be responsible for the BID under its articles of association.

The SG will work towards the values and objectives stated in the articles of association of a BID following the existing models; the SG will only undertake activities that are aligned with the formation of a BID; SG members must be in support of the formation of a BID; the SG will be informed by best practice and will formulate plans based on the research and evidence available; and the SG must work collectively to meet its objectives.

2. Objectives

All activities of the SG are in service of setting up a Bangor BID. These include:

  • Oversight and setting strategy: Ensure that the BID’s business plan aligns with its vision, goals, and objectives that are informed by community needs.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Actively engage and communicate with the business community, local government, and other stakeholders
  • Financial Accountability: Oversee financial planning to ensure the efficient use of funds.
  • Transparent Decision Making: Being transparent in decision-making based on the feedback received and communicating this to all stakeholders.

3. Membership

Composition

The Steering Group will comprise of up to 16 representatives from the following categories:

  • Local Business Representatives (up to 10 members): Owners, senior representatives or leaders of businesses within the BID boundary area who must be future levy payers.
  • Service Sector (2-3 members): Representatives from organisations that provide services in the BID Area.
  • Community Stakeholders (2-3 members): Representatives from community organisations, business support organisations, non-profits, or residents in the BID area.

Representatives on the BID SG must be support the formation of a BID and agree to work with the SG to progress to the ballot that will allow a BID to be legally formed. If any SG member does not act in accordance with the objective they can be asked to leave the SG by a vote of the majority of its members.

Selection Process for new SG members:

  • Members can be nominated by the existing BID steering group to ensure representation across sectors and commitment to BID objectives.
  • A public application process may be conducted, with final appointments made by the current BID Steering group based on gaps in representation.

Term of Membership

  • Members serve on the Steering Group for as long as it takes to establish a BID.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Chairperson

  • Responsibilities:
    • Facilitate meetings; create & ensure agendas are covered & ensure communication with Steering Group members.
    • Act as the primary spokesperson for the Steering Group.
    • Ensure alignment with BID strategic goals and facilitate consensus among members.
  • Term: Elected by group members for a 1-year term, renewable based on group vote.

Vice-Chairperson

  • Responsibilities:
    • Support the Chairperson in their role and act in their absence.
    • Assist with meeting facilitation and stakeholder engagement as needed.
  • Term: 1-year term, renewable.

Local Business Representatives

  • Responsibilities:
    • Represent the interests of businesses within the BID area.
    • Provide feedback on the suitability of BID initiatives.
    • Communicate with business networks to keep them informed about BID progress.

Community Stakeholders

  • Responsibilities:
    • Ensure community needs and perspectives are incorporated into BID plans.
    • Assist with outreach and engagement initiatives within the wider community.
    • Bring forward any community concerns to the Steering Group.

5. Meetings

  • Frequency: The Steering Group will meet monthly, with additional meetings scheduled as needed.
  • Agenda and Minutes: Agendas are distributed one week prior to each meeting, and minutes are circulated within a week post-meeting.
  • Decision-Making: Decisions are made by consensus where possible, or by a simple majority vote when consensus cannot be reached.
  • Quorum: A quorum for meetings will consist of 50% of the group’s total membership

6. Reporting and Accountability

  • Until a BID is established the SG will be responsible for reporting to any funders or agencies that it has a formal finaincial relationship with.

7. Conflict of Interest

  • Steering Group members must declare any conflicts of interest which will be recorded in the minutes, prior to discussions and refrain from voting on issues where a conflict exists.

© 2025 Bangor BID