The GBSLEP is the first LEP in the UK to create a youth representative role on its Board, reflecting the area’s uniquely youthful profile. Birmingham is one of the youngest and most diverse cities in Europe – 40% of its population are aged under 25. Across the wider region, 38% of the population are aged between 18 – 30.

The GBSLEP is looking for a confident, enthusiastic self-starter aged 18-30 with a passion for the region and its growth. The new Director will play a key role in driving forward the LEP’s ambitious Strategic Economic Plan across its three ‘Pillars’ of Business, People and Place.

The voluntary three-year role, will take up two to three days a month and, alongside Board duties the appointed young person will help to design and deliver the approach for recruiting young people to sit on each of the LEP’s sub-boards.

The successful individual will join 19 other Non-Executive Directors on the LEP Board from across the private, public and educational sectors, and will lead on representing the views of young people across every aspect of the LEP’s agenda.

This opportunity comes at an exciting time for Greater Birmingham and the GBSLEP. Key indicators such as job creation, economic output, foreign direct investment and business start-ups show that the region’s economy is growing.

Anita Bhalla, GBSLEP Board Director, said: “This is an incredible opportunity for an excellent natural leader to represent the young people of Greater Birmingham. We’re looking for someone who cares deeply about the future of this region and is able to contribute by putting forward their thinking, and that of the young people they will represent. The young people of Greater Birmingham are vital to the development of the region and it’s hugely important that their voice is heard. We hope this will encourage other LEPs and Business Boards to follow suit”.

Amerah Saleh, Head of Campaigns & Experiences, Impact Hub, added: “This is an opportunity for young people to shape the city region that they will build their future in. It is important that young people are able to affect change within their own community. The city is being shaped by young people, so get involved to influence these decisions.”