The Cabinet of Carmarthenshire Council met on Monday 15 April 2024, approving revised employment safeguarding policies and adopting new guidance for safer recruitment. The meeting also saw the approval of funding for community projects in Newcastle Emlyn and Llanybydder.

Employment Safeguarding Policies Approved

The Cabinet unanimously approved revised Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) guidance, which includes updated processes for risk assessments and escalation procedures for non-compliant recruiters. Alongside this, two new policies were adopted: the Safer Recruitment Policy and the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy. These policies aim to strengthen the council's approach to safeguarding, ensuring robust procedures are in place for all recruitment processes. The revised guidance and policies were developed following an audit by the Employment Safeguarding Officer and consultation with key stakeholders, including the Disclosure and Barring Service, and incorporate recommendations from Wales Audit.

Funding for Community Projects Approved

Two significant funding applications were unanimously approved to support community development initiatives.

Firstly, Newcastle Emlyn Town Council received £14,800 from the Ten Towns Programme Revenue Fund. This funding will support the development of national and local events in Newcastle Emlyn, including the British Cycling Junior National Time Trial and National Road Race Championships in June 2024. The aim is to raise the town's profile as a visitor destination and boost local businesses. The funding will also contribute to purchasing branded gazebos and a sound system for event organisers, developing content for the town's digital screen, and providing marketing and mentoring support.

Secondly, the Old School Community Centre in Llanybydder was granted £100,000 from the Authority’s 10 Towns Capital Fund and £74,294 from the Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Rural Anchor programme. This funding will support the refurbishment and repurposing of the existing building, which is currently in a state of disrepair. The project will create a centre offering shared working space for small businesses, a learning and personal development hub, event facility hire, and a café, complementing the existing community gym.

Membership Changes to Advisory Panels

The Cabinet unanimously approved changes to the membership of its advisory panels, as proposed by the Labour Group and the Plaid Cymru Group. These changes involved filling vacant seats and replacing existing members on various panels, including the Development of the Local Development Plan Advisory Panel, the Rural Working Group Advisory Panel, the Corporate Parenting & Safeguarding Advisory Panel, and the Climate Change & Nature Emergency Cross Party Advisory Panel.

Appointment to Parc Howard Collaboration Group

Councillor Steve Williams was unanimously appointed to the Parc Howard Collaboration Group, a joint initiative with Llanelli Town Council.