Ideas and Innovation Strategy Group seeks new chair and members

CUMBRIA Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP) is looking to appoint a new leader for its Ideas and Innovation Strategy Group.

Giles Archibald, Leader of South Lakeland District Council, is stepping down from the role of Chair after overseeing its developing work programme since its inception last year.

In addition to recruiting a new Chair, the Group is also looking to recruit additional members, particularly business representatives, who can identify what Cumbria needs to boost ideas and innovation.

The Ideas and Innovation Strategy Group is one of five such groups established by CLEP to develop and deliver the drivers of productivity themes, with each group consisting of business leaders together with representatives from both the public and voluntary and community sectors.

Their role is to work collaboratively to deliver economic growth, productivity and prosperity and to support Cumbria’s economy and businesses to reach their full potential.

CLEP Chief Executive Jo Lappin said: “CLEP is extremely grateful to Giles Archibald for his work in establishing the Group and sorry to see him stand down, due to his other pressing commitments.

“We are therefore in the market for a new Chair and would welcome applications from people, who are passionate about innovation, Cumbria’s economy and working in partnership to deliver CLEP’s ambitious innovation plans.

“We recently hosted a very successful Ideas and Innovation Workshop, where we identified a series of priorities we would like to deliver. The new Chair will be perfectly placed to lead this work going forward.”

CLEP is also keen to secure additional new members for the Strategy Group to help take forward these priorities.

Potential members should have significant interest or experience in innovation and a track record of operating in the business, public or voluntary and community sector.

Members are likely to spend a total of approximately 1 day per month, with the role of the Chair involving a slightly greater time commitment.

Individuals interested in either the role of Chair or member are invited to submit their CV and a brief covering letter, outlining their experience and why they would like to join the Group, to CLEP Chief Executive Jo Lappin by Friday, February 28 – [email protected]

Successful applicants may be requested to attend an interview before appointments are confirmed.