Cumberland Council wants fresh faces to join its community panels.
The authority’s eight panels direct funding and other support to grassroots projects in their wards.
The panels are made up of ward councillors, but some panels include non-elected people who might be able to offer insight, expertise or new skills.
The co-opted members cannot vote at meetings, but can directly influence decision-making with their ideas and advice.
The council is currently recruiting for four panels: Carlisle West, South Cumberland, Whitehaven and coastal, and Workington Together.
Lisa Brown, Cumberland Council’s deputy leader and portfolio holder for adults and community health, said: “We already know community panels are at the heart of their communities, and have a unique understanding of what they need.
“I believe this is enhanced by inviting a range of community members to share their insight and knowledge with us. We began using co-optees a year ago and they have brought so much to the table – enabling us to deepen our community links and increase our focus on what’s needed at a hyper-local level.
“Whatever your background, there could be a role for you – this is not just for community activists, or for one particular ‘type’ of person. If you think you have something to offer, you probably do. We especially look forward to hearing from new faces with different perspectives.”
Community panels meet four times a year and there could be some additional requirement for induction, training and meeting preparation.
Co-opted members could be residents, employers, students – anyone who works or lives in that community panel area, or has a particular connection to it.
Currently, the following Community Panels are seeking co-opted members. Others may choose to do so in the future:
Carlisle West
Covering the wards of Belle Vue, Castle, Denton Holme, Morton, and Yewdale, this panel is looking to recruit up to three co-optees. It would welcome expressions of interest from people with a particular interest in combating anti-social behaviour or housing.
South Cumberland
Covering the wards of Cleator Moor East and Frizington, Cleator Moor West, Egremont, Gosforth, Millom, and Millom Without, this panel is looking to recruit up to three co-optees.
It would welcome, in particular, interest from young people (applicants must be aged 16-plus) with an interest in the panel’s priorities of accessibility and connectivity; supporting children, families and young people; improving the local living environment; and improving health and wellbeing.
Whitehaven and Coastal
Covering the wards of Bransty, Egremont North and St Bees, Hillcrest and Hensingham, Howgate, Kells and Sandwith, and Mirehouse, this panel wishes to recruit a co-optee with knowledge of, or an interest in, any of the panel’s priorities – addressing inequalities through improved access to services and opportunities; a local economy that thrives and benefits everyone; a local environment where individuals, households, and communities can live well and thrive; and better health and wellbeing for all.
Workington Together
Covering the wards of Harrington, Seaton, Mossbay and Moorclose, St John’s and Great Clifton, and St Michael’s, this panel would welcome expressions of interest from young people 16-plus with an interest in the panel’s priorities – empowering our children and young people; supporting communities to help themselves; and reducing food poverty.
Co-opted members must be over 16 and cannot be currently employed by Cumberland Council.
Those interested should apply as soon as possible – the closing date for applications is February 9.
Visit the Cumberland Council website to find out more and complete an expression of interest form.
