BME

Throughout Wales, committees are set up to offer independent advice on the public services that affect us all every day. These committees, known as public bodies, provide advice to the Welsh Assembly Government on all kinds of subjects including sports, arts, culture, education, health services, environment and tourism. Whatever your interest, whether local or national, you will find a public body which looks after the services that matter most to you.

Public appointees are people who are prepared to give up their time to sit on these public bodies and share their experiences and knowledge to make a difference to the vital services that affect us all.

The roles can be extremely rewarding, helping you develop your professional skills as well as working in a team environment, contributing your ideas and enthusiasm.

“I got so much out of my role and my communication and diplomatic skills have come on a lot,” says Darren Harris, appointee on the Social Services complaints panel. “I am developing new skills and finding talents that I didn’t realise I had!”

Appointees don’t always need specialist skills, just a keen interest in making a difference in the areas they feel most passionately about. Swinder Chadha, who sat on the Employment Advisory Board explains, “Everyone can bring their own, unique perspective to the role and have a real impact on their community.”

Mutale Merrill agrees, “You don’t need to go for a high-ranking position. There are many different roles out there which can fit in with your lifestyle.”

Mutale, who chairs the Care Council for Wales, encourages more people from different backgrounds take part. “I would love to see more women and black and ethnic minority people come forward for these roles.”

The role of an appointee is straightforward, with monthly meetings to attend and background papers to read, as Swinder explains. “My post took up about 12 days a year attending meetings plus one or two days a month reading documents to prepare for meetings”

The Welsh Assembly Government offers a free two-day training course, open to anyone keen to understand more about the role of an appointee or get advice on completing the application process.

For more information, call the Public Appointment unit on 029 2072 5372 or email publicappointments@wales.gsi.gov.uk