History

Rural Community Councils (RRC’s) were first introduced in England just after the First World War when 24 RCC’s were established with a remit to support and encourage rural communities through development work in areas such as village halls, young people, health services, further education in villages, countryside preservation and Parish Councils.

In 1947 18 more RCC’s were established and the working remit expanded to include rural industries, the Association of Local Councils, old peoples welfare, local history societies and handicapped care.

9 further RCC’s were established in 1965 and this included the launch of the Wiltshire Rural Community Council.

The Wiltshire Rural Community Council (WRCC) began life with a staff of four who oversaw the work of the county village halls grant, the rural industries portfolio and acted as agents for the work of The Wiltshire Association of the Care of the Elderly, The Wiltshire Playing Fields Association and the Wiltshire Association of Parish Councils.

By 1975 the WRCC had grown to 10 staff and its work portfolio had grown and developed including help in establishing the Wiltshire PPA, the Wiltshire Family History Association, the Wiltshire Natural History Forum and the Wiltshire Folk Life Society.

As a result of its expanding work areas and to reflect its closer working relationship with grass roots communities and organisations across the county, in 1996 the WRCC decided to redefine and refocus its community services commitment and to relaunch the organisation as Community First, which today has a professional team of 35 staff. Follow this link to view the staff page.

Governance of Community First is through a 15 member Board of Trustees elected at the AGM. The Board has final legal authority and is responsible for overseeing the operation of the entire charity and its activities. Follow this link to view the Trustees page.

Follow this link for the latest job vacancies.