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Gemma Charnock is Vice Principal of Corporate Services and Group Company Secretary at NPTC Group of Colleges. A qualified solicitor with more than 20 years’ experience, she brings expertise in collaborative leadership, governance and partnership working.

Throughout her career, she has worked closely with local authorities, Welsh Government, employers, industry and community organisations to support regional skills development, economic regeneration and workforce planning. She is passionate about creating opportunities that strengthen communities and improve lives.

The Neath Port Talbot Culture Partnership brings together stakeholders from across the county borough and wider region to sustainably develop and grow the culture, heritage and arts sector. Through programmes developed with partners and communities, it aims to ensure culture plays a role in areas including education, health and wellbeing, community development and economic opportunity.

As Chair, Gemma will help guide the Partnership in progressing the Neath Port Talbot Culture Strategy and delivering the community’s vision and ambitions for culture in the years ahead.

The Partnership is also the delivery body overseeing Port Talbot’s bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028, with Neath Port Talbot Council acting as the accountable body.

Port Talbot has been named as one of 15 finalists for the inaugural title, following applications from 398 places. The Partnership and Council have until 30th November to submit the bid. If successful, Port Talbot will receive £3 million to deliver a year of culture in 2028. The bid’s theme, ‘Our Town; Our Story’, has emerged through community collaboration. Residents, community groups, volunteers, businesses and interest groups are being encouraged to help shape the cultural activities included in the bid.
 

Gemma Charnock, Chair of the Neath Port Talbot Culture Partnership, said:

“Culture has an important role to play in the future of Neath Port Talbot. It helps strengthen communities, celebrate our heritage, support creativity and create opportunities for people of all ages to take part in shaping the places where they live.

“The Port Talbot Town of Culture 2028 bid is an exciting opportunity to translate that ambition into action. While the bid is led by the Culture Partnership and Neath Port Talbot Council, it belongs to the community. The theme ‘Our Town; Our Story’ has emerged from the voices of local people and reflects the character, creativity and resilience that define Port Talbot.

“I am excited to work with partners across the county borough to develop a bid that not only celebrates what makes the area unique but also creates a lasting legacy for communities long beyond 2028.”
 

Councillor Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said:

“The Culture Partnership has an important role in helping culture flourish across Neath Port Talbot, creating opportunities for people to get involved and ensuring that our communities help shape its future.

“Gemma’s experience in leadership, governance and partnership working will help guide the Partnership as it delivers on the community’s vision and ambitions for culture across the county borough.

“Her appointment comes at a timely point as we develop Port Talbot’s Town of Culture 2028 bid. Drawing on her expertise will help us bring partners together and keep local voices at the heart of the process, building on the area’s proud heritage, creativity and resilience.”

A series of community engagement events will take place in the coming weeks, continuing until the bid is submitted on 30th November. These will provide opportunities to share ideas for the Town of Culture programme and help shape its delivery. To find out more, visit www.porttalbottownofculture.wales