Frequently asked questions about Community Working

The Community Working team is a new council service. Here are some frequently asked questions about the team.

Community working is centred around people and communities. Our work enables residents to have a greater stake in the community in which they live. This is about the Council and its partners working together with the community to improve the quality of life for everyone in Shropshire.

Community Officers

What is a Community Officer, what do they do and how can we get in touch with them?

Community development seeks to empower individuals and groups of people by providing them with the skills they need to effect change in their own communities. Community Officers help people take part in this process.

There will are 28 Local Joint Committees in Shropshire and each area has its own Community Officer, who help to enable and empower communities to develop their own projects.

You can contact your local officer via the links on this page.

I used to contact my district council for help and support in finding funding for my projects. Who will help me in now?

The Community Officers within the Community Working team are able to support local activity and local groups seeking funding. Please contact the Community Working team who will put you in contact with the appropriate officer.

We had a Regeneration/Community Development Officer at our district council and I don't know who will support us in the new Shropshire Council?

There is a team of officers called the Community Working Team who support community development and regeneration. If you contact us we will put you in contact with the officer who works in your area.

We are thinking of undertaking a Parish Plan and need some advice and help on how to carry out the plan?

The Community Working Team will be able to support you in doing your parish plan, in partnership with staff from the Community Council of Shropshire.

I currently contact the Community Safety Team at the District Council on community safety matters. Who should I contact on these issues in the new Shropshire Council?

In the first instance you should contact the Councils Safer Communities Team who will identify the right officers to help you.

Local Joint Committees

What is a Local Joint Committee?

Local Joint Committees (LJC's) are legally constituted, decision making committees of Shropshire Council. They comprise of local Shropshire Councillors together with representatives from each town or parish council within the LJC area.
There are 28 LJC's in place across the county. Each LJC meets four times a year and gives people a chance to meet with their local councillors and to raise issues of concern about their communities.

How will I know which Local Joint Committee area I live in and when my LJC meets?

Details of the Local Joint Committee areas and meeting dates are available on the Local Joint Committees section of this website.

I run a small community group and I've heard that funding may be available from my LJC. Is this correct and how do I apply?

Yes, your local LJC does have money to award to community projects. Please contact the Community Working team who will advise you whether your project is eligible for this funding and how to apply. We will also give advice on any alternative funding that might be available.

If the LJC only meets four times a year how will I get feedback from the meeting?

Feedback will be available at the next meeting of the Local Joint Committee. For some issues, press releases and news updates will be provided. Otherwise updates will be available on the website and from the Community Working Officer.

Area Partnerships

What is an Area Partnership?

There are three Area Partnerships located in the northern, central and southern areas of the county. Each area has its own area partnership structure that brings together key partners, stakeholders and community groups who identify and address local community priorities. The partnerships also help support the local implementation of county wide priorities and actions contained within the Shropshire Community Strategy, Local Area Agreement and Local Development Framework.

What is the Shropshire Partnership and what does it do?

The Shropshire Partnership is a strategic partnership involving councils, regional, public and local agencies, the voluntary and community sector, businesses, young people and equality and diversity communities.

There is a membership of key partners including councils, government agencies, police, fire and health services, local area partnerships and over 50 community bodies.

Partners work together to meet local needs and improve the quality of life in Shropshire. The Shropshire Partnership is also sometimes referred to as the LSP.

How can I get involved in my Area Partnership?

Each area partnership holds an annual public meeting to outline the partnership plans and activities. For more detail, please see the area partnership web pages. Much of the work of the partnerships is channelled through theme groups. Interested parties or groups who have specific interest in these theme areas, and are able to contribute to the work of the group, are welcome to attend or participate. Contact the Area Partnership Officers for full details.

Can I apply for funding from the Area Partnership?

The delegated funding available in the area partnership is primarily for commissioning purposes. However funding may be available for community schemes and projects that directly support the area partnership's priorities and target actions. For more information please contact the Area Partnership Officer.

We are a local community group. How can we get our views and suggestions considered by the Area Partnership?

Your group will be able to get involved through the annual public meetings or through direct involvement with the themed delivery groups. Your Area Partnership Officer will be happy to talk to you about your suggestions and will be able to advise you on how these can be considered.

Funding and information

Who do we speak to if we need a grant for our village hall or community group?

There will be funds for local projects available through the Local Joint Committees and Local Partnerships. The Community Officers will be able to advise you on how to apply for these funds. There are also a number of other grants available to support community projects and the Community Officers will be able to advise you on who to contact to apply for these funds.

I run a business, or am planning to start up a business in Shropshire. Where can I go to get help or advice?

Business Link West Midlands can provide you with advice on all aspects of your business. A link to their webpage is on this page.
Or contact the Invest in Shropshire team at the Shropshire Council.

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