A COUNCIL is conducting a survey to see how accessible and fair its job application processes are.

Gwynedd Council is asking people to fill in a questionnaire to share their experiences of using services and of applying for a council role.

The consultation’s findings will be a basis for how public services and staffing systems will be adapted and developed so as to ensure they meet the needs of everyone who uses them in future.

Cllr Nia Jeffreys, the Cabinet Member for Corporate Support said: “Gwynedd Council offers a range of services for local people – from services which are familiar to everyone like recycling and waste collection, to specialist services that are relevant to particular groups of people like the homelessness services.

“Whatever the service, we need to avoid a situation where some people don’t make use of them because of barriers.

“Unfortunately, a large number of things can cause barriers. For example, if the service isn’t in a convenient location, for example it’s not near the bus stop and the individual who needs the service doesn’t drive.

“Some barriers can also be less obvious, such as letters that are difficult to understand or that someone feels uncomfortable asking for help.

“Because of the difficult times we’re living in, with more people than ever asking for Gwynedd Council services, it’s more important than ever that we make sure that they’re accessible and that there is no discrimination.”

As one of the county’s largest employers, with around 7,000 people working for the organisation, Gwynedd Council wants to make sure that its workforce reflects the local population and that there are no barriers preventing a range of people from all backgrounds from applying for jobs.

Cllr Jeffreys added: “We want to hear about local people’s experiences. I would urge people to take a couple of minutes to fill in questionnaires to help us improve our services - for the whole community.”

The questionnaire is available on the Council website: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/fairservices

Paper copies, large print, Braille, other languages of the questionnaire are available by contacting equality@gwynedd.llyw.cymru or calling 01766 771000 to discuss your needs.