Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru

The Welsh Government operates name-free recruitment. The recruiting panel will not see personal information such as a candidate s name and address during the sifting process. This policy is in line with our commitment to end bias and promote equality and diversity. Vacancy details Vacancy title: Appointment of Commissioner to the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru (Welsh Essential) Closing date: 09/01/2026, 16:00 Vetting level: Basic How many positions: 1 Position type: Commissioner Name of body: Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru Location: Cardiff or virtually via MS Teams. Remuneration: £292 per full day. Welsh language requirements Welsh language requirements: 1 Welsh language skills are essential for this role. The skills required for this role are specified below. These skills will be assessed as part of the selection process. Understanding by reading: 5 Full understanding of all work related material Speaking and being understood: 5 Fluent Understanding by listening: 5 Can understand all work-related conversations Writing and being understood: 5 Can prepare written material for all work-related matters The Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our AI candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. Disability Confident Scheme The Welsh Government is a Disability Confident Leader. We guarantee to interview any candidate with an impairment, health condition, who is neurodivergent or who uses British Sign Language if they meet the minimum criteria for the post. Social Model of Disability Welsh Government has adopted the social model of disability, which recognises that barriers in society act to disable people who have impairments, or health conditions, who are neurodivergent or who use British Sign Language. We are committed to removing barriers in the recruitment process so that all (or potential new) staff can perform at their best. Recruitment adjustments can be made at any part of the recruitment process for candidates with an impairment or health condition, who are neurodivergent or who use British Sign Language. Role Description It is important to note commissioners of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru will work across the full range of the body s functions, but each will have particular focus on a functional area. Strategic Functions Members will: Oversee the delivery of Local Government Electoral Boundary Reviews, including one Member taking a Lead Commissioner role for each review. Oversee the delivery of Senedd Boundary Reviews. Determine the level of payments to elected and co-opted members of Unitary Councils, Town and Community Councils, National Park Authorities and Fire and Rescue Authorities. Board attendance and participation Chair and/or participate in sub-committees contributing to the delivery of programmes of work through the Governance and Audit (DBCC Deputy Chair and two Commissioners), Remuneration (at least four Commissioners) or Electoral Review (at least four Commissioners) sub committees. Stakeholder Management Ensure strong and effective relationships with key stakeholders. Lead Commissioner roles Take responsibility for engagement and communication with council leaders, officers, and other key stakeholders across local government. Communication and Engagement Ensure effective consultation and engagement on proposals in accordance with the Commission s Communication and Engagement strategy, ensuring feedback is used to support continuous learning and improvement. Ensure consultation is fully compliant with statutory legislative framework and used to inform decision making for all electoral reviews and remuneration determinations. Ensure Commission decisions are communicated clearly and all communications are accessible. Analysis of information / use of research and evidence to support effective decision making Analyse and interpret information and make effective use of evidence to support panel decision making on Local Government Electoral and Senedd Boundary Review options and remuneration. Identify trends across all aspects of Commission programmes to inform a research and evidence plan that ensures the Commission is contributing to the Democratic health of the nation. Use evidence and research in the provision of advice to the Welsh Government on the state of Democratic health in Wales. Policy Development Develop policy, practice and robust methodology to support decision making. Provide guidance and advice to key stakeholders on the effective running of devolved elections in Wales, remuneration policy and determinations, and electoral reviews. Through shared learning, develop and implement guidance for the effective delivery of elections across Wales. Legislative Framework Understand the legislative framework that impacts decisions and Commission work. Ensure the Commission is working within the legislative framework. Horizon scan for future changes to legislation that are likely to impact the functions of the Commission. Corporate Governance Ensure the organisation is fit for purpose with effective corporate governance arrangements in place in respect to financial and risk management and organisational development. Ensure plans and policies are regularly reviewed. Provide leadership and strategic direction to the organisation and support the Chief Executive and senior leadership team to delivery corporate objectives and drive a culture of continuous improvement. Ensure the delivery of outcomes against the Commission strategy and organisational plan, delivery of Welsh Government objectives and that the Minister s Remit Letter is fulfilled. Performance Management and Quality Assurance Oversee the quality assurance process for the production of draft and final reports. Ensure the effective monitoring of the Commission s performance. Person Specification who are we looking for The skills and experiences we are looking for are set out below. When submitting your personal statement, you should show how your skills and experiences could be used in this role. Essential specification Applicants must be able to demonstrate:- Welsh context Understanding of how local government operates in Wales and the importance of democratic health. Communication Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to individuals ranging across members of the public, elected representatives and senior leaders. Ability to exercise independent judgement make decisions and explain how they have been made. Analytical and Interpretation skills Ability to evaluate a wide range of information, including geographical data and formulate a reasoned conclusion. Ability to assess options, identify and formulate solutions using a methodical and analytical approach. Legislative framework Understanding of the legislative framework the Commission operates within to ensure effective robust decision making. Impartiality Ability to remain impartial and objective in offering constructive advice and observation. Strong track record of delivering outcomes with an ability to reflect on and learn from own lived experiences Political neutrality Ability to work on basis of strict political neutrality. Understanding of and commitment to the Nolan Principles of public life Corporate governance Understanding of importance of effective corporate and financial governance Knowledge, skills or experience of financial management, accounting, risk management, audit and accountability structures Research Experience of working with statistical data, and leading on commissioning and analysing research. Desirable specification Elections Experience of co-ordinating or running local government, parliamentary or Police and Crime Commissioner elections Remuneration Experience of elected member remuneration Welsh Language Welsh language skills are essential for one of these posts and desirable, but not a pre-requisite for appointment for the two others. However, all candidates will be expected to display an empathy towards the language. Understanding Can understand basic conversations about everyday topics Reading Can read simple material on everyday topics with understanding Speaking Can converse in simple work-related conversations Writing Can write simple work-related correspondence How to Apply All applications for this vacancy must be made using our online application system. Unless stated otherwise in the Other vacancy-related information for advert , the Welsh Government cannot offer Visa sponsorship. Welsh Government holds a Visa sponsorship licence . click apply for full job details