News and Views

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP) has opened applications for its new Futures Forum, providing a platform for younger people’s views on the key issues facing Cumbria’s economic growth.

The Forum will develop proposals as to how these issues could be addressed for consideration by the CLEP Board and other governance bodies.

Twelve young people, aged 18-35, who live or work in Cumbria and have a strong interest in all aspects of the economic growth agenda will be invited to join the Futures Forum and receive developmental support, including mentoring, to equip them to operate at Board level.

Forum members will be drawn from across Cumbria and from the public, private and voluntary sectors, with a priority to ensure that membership is inclusive, diverse and fully representative of Cumbria’s geography.

The LEP’s Diversity Champion, Andrew Wren, will Chair the Futures Forum in the first instance, with the intention to have one of its members operating as Chair, going forward.

Mr Wren, said: “I am delighted to be leading on the development of the Futures Forum, which will make sure that our young people are actively involved in shaping Cumbria’s economy. It is really important that those with the longest-term stake in Cumbria are influencing the LEP’s decisions and taking forward those issues most important to younger people. I am very keen that the membership reflects all of the communities that we serve”.

Jo Lappin, Cumbria LEP Chief Executive, said: “The formation of the new Futures Forum is the final and important piece in CLEP’s governance structure – creating a body that really brings the views of Cumbria’s future leaders forward. There has already been a great deal of interest in the Forum and we look forward to receiving some excellent applications”.

Members of the new Forum will be asked to commit 1 day per month with a length of appointment of 18-24 months. There will be an opportunity for a further period of appointment for those who wish to continue and remain eligible.

How to Apply

Those who would like to apply are invited to send a CV and covering letter to info@thecumbrialep.co.uk, detailing why they want to join the Futures Forum, what they will personally bring to it and how they meet the following selection criteria:

• Live, work or study in Cumbria.
• Committed to and interested in Cumbria’s economy, socio-economic issues and the development of strategies to address these.
• Willing to reach out and engage with other young people to secure their views on issues relevant to the work of the Futures Forum.
• Committed to personal development and willing to participate in development opportunities.
• Willing to act as a brand ambassador for CLEP, promoting the views and issues of concern to young people to wider audiences.

Applications close at midday on Friday 29 November, with the aim to have the new Futures Forum operational in early 2020.