News and Views

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP) has opened applications for its Futures Forum, the body that advises the Board and wider LEP groups on the key issues that matter to young people on Cumbria’s economy and growth.

Young people, aged 18-35, who live or work in Cumbria and have a strong interest in the economy and business growth are invited to apply to join the Futures Forum. Members of the Forum not only have the opportunity to influence CLEP’s agenda but to also receive developmental support, including 1-2-1 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 being to make sure that membership is inclusive, diverse and fully representative of Cumbria’s geography. CLEP would particularly welcome representatives from the rural and visitor economy sectors, but applications from all sectors are welcome.

Futures Forum Co-Chair Adrian Naik said “Young people all over the world often feel powerless, unheard, and ignored. In a rural county like Cumbria, it’s even harder to make ripples and impact on the county’s future.

To say that the Futures Forum is important is an understatement. This is a vital opportunity for young people to have an impact, have a say, and stand up for what’s important to them. I joined because I want to make Cumbria a better place for young people now and in the future. The Futures Forum has a powerful voice. The LEP Board want to hear what we have to say, so there is a really exciting opportunity for you to influence the county’s future.”

Karla Thomas, Co-Chair added “The Futures Forum offers tremendous opportunities for a young person’s professional and personal development. If you feel strongly about Cumbria and want to make positive change, the Futures Forum is the perfect platform where your views are represented at a strategic level in relation to the economic development opportunities and challenges the Cumbrian economy faces. Its allowed me to meet inspirational leaders and make friends for life.”

The Futures Forum is sponsored by Professor Andrew Wren, CLEP’s Board Diversity Champion and Principal and Chief Executive Furness College, who said “The CLEP Board recognised that it was really important that young people had a stake in Cumbria’s economy and growth and importantly influence this and that’s why we formed the Futures Forum. The Forum has now successfully operated for several years with the initial members terms of office are coming to an end, so we now want to attract some new members.

I would really encourage people to apply to develop their knowledge and understanding of Cumbria’s economy and also their personal leadership development as they get experience of operating in a Board environment.”

Members will usually serve for an 18-24 month period to make sure that there is a good rotation of membership and will need to commit to meetings which take place every two months. The deadline for applications is Monday 17 October 2022.

Applications can be made by sending a CV and covering letter to Jo Lappin, Chief Executive of the Cumbria LEP at jo.lappin@thecumbrialep.co.uk. Applications, should be marked ‘Confidential – Futures Forum’, with applicants 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.