We’re seeking a new youth Board member to help transform our city

Are you passionate about Hereford City’s future? Do you want your hometown to be one of the greenest and fairest cities in the country? 

Following the move of our previous youth Board member to university, we’re currently recruiting a new youth Board member aged between 16 – 22 who lives, works or studies in Herefordshire. Could this be you?

About the Towns Fund

Hereford was one of 101 places invited by the then Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to be part of the £3.6 billion Towns Fund to support economic growth. Stronger Hereford put forward a bid for £24.9 million to Central Government in January 2021 and secured £22.4 million later that year to put towards the assigned projects outlined in their Town Investment Plan. The guidelines for the bid stipulated that projects needed to be in Hereford city and focus on improved transport, broadband connectivity, skills and culture; the successful projects echoed these themes. The name of the scheme has changed over the years – firstly being the Towns Fund for England, then the Towns Fund followed by the Stronger Towns Fund.  The Stronger Hereford Board is now overseeing the delivery phase of the projects.

The projects

Fifteen trailblazing projects were successful. Some of the projects have already been delivered in full, for example the new cycle track at Halo Leisure and the Castle Green Pavilion, whilst others are at earlier stages.

Description of Stronger Hereford Board

Stronger Hereford is an independent board for Hereford city made up of a blend of people from private, public and community sectors who all have Herefordshire in their heart. It is a mix of parents, students, educators, business owners, employers, employees, creatives and politicians.

Stronger Hereford works in collaboration with Herefordshire Council and Hereford City Council, and each has one seat on the Board.

The Board is supported by programme managers Rose Regeneration.

Board member qualities

• A passion for the successful delivery of the Stronger Hereford vision.
• A willingness to devote the time and effort the Board requires.
• A problem-solving mindset.
• The ability to speak your mind in a group.
• A readiness to work as part of a team.

Experience

We’re looking for a young people’s representative who should be aged between 16 – 22 and live, work or study in Herefordshire. You should be passionate about Hereford’s future and have an interest in speaking to and up for young people. You do not need  to have any previous experience of being on a board like this.

Board members must uphold Nolan’s seven principles of public life:  selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Commitment

The Board currently meets approximately once every six weeks in Hereford.  The meetings are usually on a Friday morning and run from 8.30am – 10 am. As youth Board member, you will be expected to attend the majority of the Board meetings. In addition, there may be occasional meetings with project groups.

You will be supported by a Board ‘buddy’, who will be there to help and mentor you as you would like.

Eligibility

Board members are expected to live in Herefordshire or to have a close connection to the county and be able to attend all or most Board meetings. If you have any close connections with the projects please note them in your application.  If appointed you will be required to fill out a conflict of interests form which may be published.

How to apply?

If you would like to join us please email a.appleton@hca.ac.uk (Chair of the Stronger Towns Board) a maximum of 400 words or a short video in which you tell us about yourself and why you are interested in Hereford’s successful future.

Please send in your application by 5pm on Friday 28 November.