The Community Committee is established to oversee and enhance engagement across the Town Council area. Its role is to support community development, ensure inclusivity, and promote the well-being and safety of residents. The Committee will work collaboratively with local organisations, service providers, and residents to strengthen community ties and deliver impactful initiatives. The Committee will oversee the events programme of the council.
The Committee shall be comprised of five Members to be appointed at the Annual Meeting, or when a vacancy arises.
The Chair will be appointed at the Annual Meeting.
The meeting schedule will be set at the Annual Council Meeting.
For the meeting to be quorate three members must be in attendance.
Representatives from relevant community organisations may be invited to contribute expertise.
The Town Clerk or designated officer shall support the Committee administratively.
The Committee will:
Community Support
• To oversee the delivery of wider community support via the utilisation of Town Council buildings and assets. Such as venue provision for Citizens Advice Services and other community services.
• Manage the Community Support budget as set by Town Council for ensuring key community organisations are supported throughout the Town and the vital services they provide are protected. Regular spending reports will be provided to the Policy and Resources Committee and Full Council.
• Appraise applications to the Council’s Community Fund, and make recommendations to full council for award quarterly.
• Champion initiatives for the elderly and vulnerable, ensuring access to support networks, social inclusion programs, and well-being initiatives.
• Support services for young people, including youth engagement programs, leisure activities, and partnerships with schools and youth organisations.
Community Engagement
• Work to enhance community engagement by fostering participation in local decision-making, volunteer opportunities, and neighbourhood initiatives. The Committee will look to have a representative on the local networks, and specialised community liaison groups where possible.
• The Committee will work with a range of public sector and community partners to understand residents’ and organisations’ opinions and expectations of Bishop Auckland Town Council, their needs and the needs of the wider town.
• To oversee communications plans, which encourages two-way communication with residents and organisations. Communication may include, but is not limited to, public meetings, business forums, notice boards, newsletters, electronic technology such as social media, councillor surgeries, resident surveys, etc.
• Identify funding opportunities, grants, and sponsorships to support community support.
• Maintain strong relationships with local stakeholders to ensure coordinated efforts in addressing community needs.
• Provide recommendations to the Town Council on policies, strategies, and initiatives that enhance local engagement and development.
Community Safety
• Promote community safety, working alongside law enforcement, emergency services, and residents to address concerns, improve public spaces, and encourage safety awareness campaigns.
Events
• Oversee the planning and delivery of inclusive local events, including civic celebrations, cultural activities, and seasonal festivals that bring the community together. These include:
o Annual Town Council Youth Awards
o Annual Remembrance Day Parade
o Annual Christmas Festivities
o Annual Heritage Festival
o Centenary celebrations or significant event celebrations such as Jubilees, Anniversaries etc.
• Oversee the annual event/ engagement budget as set by the Town Council, and will provide regular updates on spend to the Policy and Resources Committee and Full Council.
• Liaise with the organisers of other events that the Town Council are involved with to ensure effectiveness of the in terms local community benefit, including:
o Bishop Auckland Food Festival
o Christmas Town
• Identify funding opportunities, grants, and sponsorships to support community events.
• Maintain strong relationships with local stakeholders to ensure coordinated efforts in developing community events.
The Committee will report regularly to the Town Council, providing updates on progress, challenges, and recommendations for future action. Decisions requiring financial expenditure outside of the approved Events & Community Support budget or policy changes will require Full Council approval.
These Terms of Reference will be reviewed annually to ensure they remain fit for purpose and align with the evolving needs of the town.
