Information about SEMLEP and the role of the Board directors
Background
There are 38 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) , covering the whole of England, which have been established by the Government to encourage business and local authorities to work in a business-led partnership to: grow the private sector, tackle barriers to growth, secure investment and increase the provision of jobs and housing.
About SEMLEP
SEMLEP is an economic development partnership, which covers a functional economic area comprising the four unitary authorities of Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire County Council and all of the districts (Northampton, Daventry, Corby, Kettering, Northampton, South and East Northamptonshire and Wellingborough) together with Aylesbury Vale in Buckinghamshire and Cherwell in Oxfordshire.
SEMLEP focuses on private sector-led growth and inward investment. Our role is to create the right environment for businesses and social enterprises to grow.
SEMLEP works through its Boardand is characterised by a strong and transparent unity of purpose shared by all partners. By working together in pursuit of this single purpose, we aim to maximise outcomes from the public and private with whom we work and from businesses and social enterprises of all types and sizes. Details can be found on our website
The SEMLEP Board fulfils its collective strategic leadership role by focussing on the following actions:
- Giving support to businesses, local authority delivery teams and other stakeholder groups engaged in implementation of local authority plans and overall SEMLEP Business Plan. Further information on the business plan can be found on the following link
- Fulfilling a scrutiny role in respect of performance management of SEMLEP Business Plan’s agreed activities
- Providing stewardship of funds, programmes and projects agreed in SEMLEP Business Plan, such as Growing Places Fund, Local Growth Funds and EU Funds. Please visit our website for further information
- Offering skills and expertise to showcase sector groups, advisory groups and enabling activities. For further information on skills please visit our website
- Stretching thinking and challenging ways of working.
SEMLEP’s Strategic Economic Plan for 2015-16 to 2020-21 is also on the website with a comprehensive Evidence base. This underpinned the bid for Local Growth Funds – the outcome of which is summarised in the Local Growth Deal 2015-16.and 2016-17.
SEMLEP focuses on growing the 4 showcase sectors of Manufacturing and Advanced Technology (including Foodand Drink), High Performance Technology, Logistics and Supply Chain and the Creative and Cultural Industries (including sport and the Visitor Economy). With a number of enabling activities to promote growth, which are focussed on the Waterside Enterprise Zone in Northampton, Luton Airport Enterprise Zone, improving skills, infrastructure (transport and broadband), encouraging inward investment, and providing support for SMEs through our Velocity Growth Hub
SEMLEP Board
Dr Ann Limb CBE DL, an independent private sector director, chairs the SEMLEP Board. The Board is currently comprised of19 volunteers – nineprivate and seven public sector directors along with two representatives from the Higher and Further Education sectors and an observer from the Voluntary and Community Sector. Details of the Board can be found on our website
The role
All directors are expected to attend and participate fully in all Board meetings and other SEMLEP events unless good reasons are provided beforehand.The meetings for 2017 are on the following dates:
-22nd February 2017, 10:00-14:00 at Millbrook Proving Ground
-19th April 2017, 10:00-14:00 at Cranfield Innovation Centre
-19th July 2017, 10:00-14:00 at Cranfield Innovation Centre
-22nd November 2017, 10:00-14:00 at Cranfield Innovation Centre
-7th December 2017, SEMLEP AGM, Transport Systems Catapult, Milton Keynes
Each Board director will take the strategic lead for one of the showcase sectors or enabling activities. He or she is expected to engage with businesses already in the area and identify ways of growing these businesses, encouraging start-up businesses and stimulating inward investment.
All directors are required to gain an understanding of and act as an ambassador for the whole SEMLEP area. This activity is supported by the SEMLEP Envoy programme, which consists of a small cohort of influential business leaders, who act as advocates with Government and potential inward investors.
All directors work as part of the corporate team to identify strategic priorities, influence central Government and local MPs and bring resources into the SEMLEP area to deliver the essential infrastructure to enable growth.
Person Specification
We are looking for people to fill these roles with the following experience and qualities:
Essential
- An understanding and experience of being a non-executive director;
- Enthusiastic, positive and flexible attitude;
- An understanding of partnership working with a large number of stakeholders and a willingness to be a corporate team member;
- Able to commit sufficient time and give leadership to help deliver SEMLEP objectives;
- A focus on innovation and economic growth.
- Knowledge of the SEMLEP area.
Desirable
- Experience of one or more of the SEMLEP showcase sectors or enabling activities – we are currently looking for experience in the creative sector, manufacturing and construction.
- Understanding of corporate governance, including finance and legal.
- Media experience and the ability to present well in front of different groups of people
Commitment
You will be expected to participate in approximately 4 Board meetings a year (and pre-meetings), an Away day, the AGM and other business events as well as leading groups and engaging with the business community. You are required to commit at least one day per month to this work and to abide by the Nolan Principles of Public Life, as set out below.
The Board directors are not remunerated, however reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.
Timetable
Description / DatePosition Advertised / 9th January 2017
Response Deadline / 31st January 2017
Interview date / 6th or 13th February 2017
Start date / 1st March 2017
How to Apply
Application is by CVoutlining the reasons for your interest in the position and why you believe yourself to be suitable. These should be submitted by Tuesday 31st January 2017.
Be sure to include your full contact details including daytime and evening telephone numbers.
All applications will be acknowledged.
If successful you will then be invited in to meet a panel of local business leaders along with the chair of the Board, Dr Ann Limb CBE DL.
Please submit your application by email to y 5pm on Tuesday 31st January 2017.
If you would like a confidential discussion about the role, please contact:
Stephen Catchpole on 01234 436100
SEMLEP is committed to promoting equality and eliminating unlawful discrimination in everything we do as an employer and service provider. Our vision is to embed equality and diversity into our day to day business and create an inclusive working culture where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and feels valued. We recognise the value of having a diverse workforce and the need to promote equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment in order to support each individual to achieve their full potential.
If you would like further information or have any specific access requirements to enable you to complete the application process please contact us on 01234 436100 or e-mail
THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC LIFE
SELFLESSNESS
Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.
INTEGRITY
Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.
OBJECTIVITY
In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
OPENNESS
Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
HONESTY
Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
LEADERSHIP
Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
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