Council’s new sixth form ‘brand’ upsets charity

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter

Concerns have been raised that a new brand launched by Powys County Council (PCC) to promote school sixth forms will affect a charity with a similar name.

Llandrindod Wells-based “Dyfodol Powys Futures” has been operating under the name since 2008.

The charity works with children, young people and their families in Powys on a range of issues.

On Thursday, Powys County Council’s under fire education portfolio holder Cllr Myfanwy Alexander launched the new brand “Dyfodol Powys / Future Powys” website, as part of a marketing campaign to promote the Sixth Form education in Powys.

On social media it was pointed out that PCC’s use of the name risked confusion between them.

Constance Adams, of Dyfodol Powys Futures, said: “It’s unfortunate that this has been done.

“Families and young people who are looking for help might fail to find us due to this.”

Ms Adams added that the charity relied on grant funding and that funders used the internet to check the validity of their work.

“We’ve been using this name since 2008, clearly someone in PCC didn’t do their homework, as ‘Dyfodol’ is quite commonly used as a name for organisations across Wales,” added Ms Adams.

The website was launched by PCC to try to entice school pupils to continue their education in Powys schools rather than leave to continue their studies outside the county.

It is part of a wider move to reorganise sixth forms across Powys.

Cllr Myfanwy Alexander, Cabinet Member for Learning and Welsh Language, said: “The new web platform Dyfodol Powys/Powys Futures provides an easy to use source of information for young people and their families.

“We’re committed to doing all we can to support our learners in their choices at this crucial stage of their education.”

For more details on Dyfodol Powys Futures – the charity visit https://www.dpfutures.org.uk/