VACANCIES

There are approximately 8,000 community and town councillors in Wales. Ynysawdre Community Council currently has 4 vacancies, which will be filled through the process of co-option.

A Community Council is set up by statute by the Local Authority and run by local residents or public-spirited individuals who have a shared interest in the area. It’s all about the community. There is no place for party politics. The only paid post is the Clerk to the Council, who is vital to the smooth working of the Council. They advise Councillors on all matters of public administration. However, whilst the Clerk is essential in ensuring the proper processes are followed, all decisions on policy can only be made by Councillors.

What does a Community Council do? 

They provide community leadership and a vision for the future; listen to local people and articulate their needs; work closely with community groups; act in a professional manner – this means our finances are properly managed; we conform to high standards of behaviour and are served by a trained Clerk;  we work in partnership with other community councils; we are committed to ongoing training and development, not only for our Clerk but for our councillors too; we are active within the local community – safety, allotments, playing fields, litter, seats and shelters, and rights of way. The policy makers encourage community councils to deliver more services and play a greater part in their communities.

The task of a Community Councillor is to bring local issues to the attention of the council, and help it make decisions on behalf of the local community. Co-opted Councillors have the same rights and responsibilities as those Councillors who obtain office through election. You are not a paid employee of the council because the law doesn’t allow this.

The role is varied and enables local people to use their skills and experience to enhance the work undertaken by the Council for the benefit of the community. Full training is available. Councillors are expected to attend the monthly meetings of the Council and also serve on a Sub-Committee/s. You and your council can make a difference.

What can you do? What must you do? What must you not do? The rules may not be exciting, but without understanding them your council could run into trouble.

• A council must do what the law requires it to do
• A council may do only what the law says it may do
• A council must not do anything unless it has a legal power to act.

Check out the The good councillor’s guide for community and town councillors

All members of the community, aged over 18, are welcome to apply. To submit your expressions of interest for the role of Community Councillor email a letter outlining the following:

• confirm you are registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked or owned property there for at least 12 months before an election
• the contribution you believe you could make to the work of the Council
• the personal qualities that you would bring to the role
• your availability for attending meetings.

Please make sure that you include your home address, phone number and email address in your letter.
Ynysawdre Community Council is committed to achieving a balanced composition of Councillors that reflects the whole community.

If you feel you would like to take an active role in helping to shaping your community, we would love to hear from you. Please email the Clerk with your expression of interest: clerk@ynysawdrecommunitycouncil.org

Or write to:

The Clerk
Ynysawdre Community Council
Parish Hall
Bryn Road
Bridgend

CF32 9EB

Applications will be considered at the next Council meeting, following receipt of your application.