Community Assembly Working Groups

Each of Newham’s eight Community Neighbourhoods has a Working Group, who support the Community Assembly process from beginning to end. 

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The Working Groups will work together with local residents, the Council and local stakeholders to improve the quality of life in the Community Neighbourhood area, and support the Community Assembly and residents’ participatory processes.

Scroll down to find out more about the Working Group from the current cycle, access meeting minutes, and find out how to apply to be part of the Working Group for the upcoming 2022/23 cycle.

What does a Working Group do?

●      Each Community Assembly in Newham’s eight Community Neighbourhood areas has a Working Group associated with it.

●      The Working Group demonstrates a model in which local residents, councillors, council officers and local stakeholders all work together to improve the quality of life in the Community Neighbourhood area.

●      Working Group members review project applications submitted after the first round of Community Assemblies, and use their local knowledge of the whole neighbourhood area to decide which projects go through to the final round of voting.

●      The Working Group monitors the chosen projects to check they are developing as promised and provides support through monitoring visits.

●      The Working Group plays a role in communicating with local residents and groups about the Community Assemblies to ensure they have a wide and representative reach.

●      Looking at feedback from the assemblies, members may also advise on how local services can be improved.

●      It is an example of local people taking ownership and responsibility for their Community Neighbourhood.

●      It also gives feedback on how the Community Assemblies are being run to make sure they can continuously improve and that as many as possible can participate.

How can I become a member of a Working Group?

1.     Read through the selection criteria below.

2.     If you feel you meet the criteria please fill in an application form and return it to your Community Neighbourhood Team by 1st April.

Working Group Selection Criteria

Essential skills

●      Knowledge of the local neighbourhood.

●      Being interested in the general good of the community (rather than personal interests).

●      Be able to attend meetings in person or online.

●      A willingness to work with others and consider different points of view.

●      Ability to sort through responses, and critically asses applications.

●      Being committed.

●      Being impartial and objective.

●      Being open, inclusive and transparent.

●      Being punctual and able to manage time well.

●      Being sensitive and responsible with personal information.

Desirable skills

●      Being comfortable using a computer, the internet and digital platforms.

●      Administrative skills.

●      Have an eye for detail.

●      Have good communication skills.

●      Be willing to present.

●      Being well organised.

Responsibilities:

●      Be committed to attend and contribute to Working Group meetings and Community Assemblies for the whole cycle beginning April 2022 and ending March 2023.

●      Work in collaboration with local residents, councillors, council officers and local stakeholders.

●      Assess community project applications using a scoring matrix (support will be given for this).

●      Raise awareness of the Community Assemblies and the role and the function of the Working Group with residents and local groups.

●      Offer advice and information to residents about the Community Assemblies and on how to apply for projects.