New In Post: Eleri Williams

It’s safe to say Eleri Williams has had a busy few months since starting in her role as Policy Officer with Building Communities Trust. We wanted to take a moment to reflect on her time with us so far. In this blog we take her view on party conference season and community rights in Wales. We also review the big events she has already attended on behalf of BCT, most recently of which is giving evidence on behalf of BCT at the Senedd’s Local Government and Housing Committee.

Conference Season

Eleri joined BCT as Policy Officer in mid-March, during Spring Conference season. Within a fortnight of starting, she attended Plaid Cymru’s Spring Conference where BCT hosted a Fringe event chaired by Peredur Owen Griffiths MS. We were joined by Rosie Cribb, who recalled her experiences volunteering at Llanhilleth Miners Institute and helping the group to access funding. Cris Tomos from Pembrokeshire told us about several fascinating examples of assets being protected due to community share models, including the famous Tafarn Sinc.  Mabon ap Gwynfor MS also spoke at the event, championing stronger rights for communities across Wales.

In May BCT held a similar fringe event at the Welsh Conservatives Party Conference. This event was chaired by Mark Isherwood MS featured Maes Ni’s Paul Joslin, who told attendees how his role has grown from a response to Covid-19 to broader development work with individuals. Paul is often found “planting tatties” and has seen how this simple act often creates confidence and self-belief- encouraging individuals to get more involved in the many activities ongoing in Maesgeirchen.  

Community Rights

Eleri speaking at the Senedd Local Government and Housing Committee

Interest in the community rights agenda has picked up pace within the Senedd in recent months. Debates have been held about religious buildings and empowering communities. Both debates received a high level of cross-party support, indicating a degree of momentum in this policy area. The Local Government and Housing Committee also held an inquiry into Community Assets.  presented evidence online at a hybrid session of the Committee on July 7th. Eleri gave evidence on behalf of BCT bringing her own take as well as using our experience working with all 13 Invest Local Groups. We look forward to seeing the Committee’s recommendations for Welsh Government, in the coming months.

Hoping to have a significant impact on the work around community rights is Community Movement Cymru. Eleri and colleagues at BCT have been meeting regularly with other interested parties with current focus on its governance arrangements and branding for CMC. Once these aspects are firmed up, Eleri hopes to work more closely with members on coordinated and proactive policy work.

Amongst all of this, Eleri has been meeting Invest Local Steering Groups online and in person, she hasn’t quite got round to all 13 areas but is keen to hear from anyone wanting to get involved in the policy and advocacy side to BCT’s work. Perhaps steering groups would like to invite their local councillors to meet with them, to find out about the vital work you do. Eleri is happy to come along and provide support. You can get in touch with her by emailing Eleri.williams@bct.wales.