VOLUNTEERS are being called upon to get involved with Wychavon District Council and to help influence some of its work.

Committed individuals with time to give are being urged to put themselves forward to become a co-opted member of one of Wychavon’s three advisory panels – localism and community funding, rural communities and economy, and town regeneration and economy.

The volunteer roles started two years ago and have proved successful at offering people the opportunity to directly influence the work of Wychavon – from influencing decisions

on how New Homes Bonus is spent to encouraging more businesses to take on apprentices.

Laura Holt, one of the co-optees on the rural communities and economy advisory panel said: “I’ve found the last two years very rewarding. I have been directly involved in carrying out some research into rural transport and sharing insights from my personal experience in the horticultural industry.

"The panels focus on issues that really impact on people’s lives and it’s a pleasure to have been so closely involved.” 

The panels meet around six times a year and cover a wide range of issues from dealing with funding requests and nominations for assets of community value to challenges facing

rural communities, skills and regeneration projects.

Their role is to provide advice to the council’s decision-making Executive Board and help guide policy development.

Anyone interested in joining a panel needs to have knowledge or experience of local communities, rural issues, regeneration, the economy or skills.  They will also need the ability to think strategically and commit time to take part in a panel, while a connection with the Wychavon district would be useful.

The role is open to anyone aged 18 and over who meets all the other criteria listed.  Successful candidates will be appointed from October 1, 2017 to until May 31, 2019.

Cllr Linda Robinson, leader of Wychavon District Council, said: “This is a great opportunity to get involved with your local council and work alongside our officers and councillors to make a difference to the district.

"We’re looking for people who will bring fresh ideas, challenge our thinking and support our work. My thanks to those who have given up their time voluntarily to us for the past two years in these roles – we are very appreciative.”

Existing Wychavon district councillors and staff cannot apply and parish or town councillors or staff will only be considered if they can provide additional experience beyond their current role.

For more information and an application form go to wychavon.gov.uk/panels or call 01386 565517. The closing date for applications is Thursday, August 31, 2017.  Current co-optees are welcome to reapply.