Economic Advisory Board for Swindon and Wiltshire

Following the transfer of the Local Economic function responsibility from Local Enterprise Partnerships to Local Authorities, Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Council are seeking to appoint members of a new board to act as the business voice for the area.

We are looking for business leaders and representatives from a variety of sectors who would be willing and able to provide strategic advice and guidance, helping Wiltshire and Swindon deliver its business support programmes and develop its Economic Strategy due in the Autumn of 2024.

Through a new joint working arrangement, Swindon and Wiltshire will seek to address challenges, build on current strengths and take advantage of emerging opportunities with the aim of improving economic conditions for business and residents alike.

Wiltshire and Swindon's priorities focus on sustainable and inclusive economic growth which recognises the importance of achieving Net Zero. Our vision for the area is:

To ensure all of our communities benefit from inclusive and sustainable growth, making Wiltshire & Swindon world-renowned for its convergence of innovation, entrepreneurialism and great quality of life.

This is an open recruitment process, so all applications will be considered. We are looking for a broad range of sectors to be represented and are particularly interested in the following areas:

• advanced manufacturing
• defence
• life sciences
• education
• skills
• small business representation
• digital and technology

This is an open recruitment process, so all applications will be considered.

Responsibilities of board members: 

• providing strategic leadership, challenge, insight and support to the Board
• actively engaging with stakeholders to capture and engage their interest and facilitate their activity in the area for the good of the wider economy and business community
• supporting the development and delivery of local priorities and in particular the Swindon and Wiltshire Economic Strategy
• representing Wiltshire and Swindon locally, nationally and internationally, encouraging networking and joint working with other public and private sector organisations based outside the area

We expect all Board members to always adhere to the standards of conduct set out in the Seven Principles of Public Life listed below:

1. Selflessness - Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.
2. Integrity - Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.
3. Objectivity - Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.
4. Accountability - Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.
5. Openness - Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.
6. Honesty - Holders of public office should be truthful.
7. Leadership - Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

The role is voluntary and does not attract a salary. The voluntary commitment involves up to 4 two hour Board meetings per year. Additional time would need to be given to read papers and prepare prior to Board meetings. The term of office for a Board member will be 1 year with a potential for reappointment on an annual basis.

Reasonable travel expenses can be claimed, and the Board will do its best to accommodate virtual attendance when needed, although face to face meetings are preferred.

Experience and personal qualities

All Economic Advisory Board members should have a strong appreciation or interest in the strategic issues concerning the local economy, as well as a core understanding of the factors in successful sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

We are looking to appoint individuals with senior-level management experience, who work or have worked in a business or an organisation based in the Swindon and Wiltshire rea.

We are seeking those with a strong track record of effective leadership and/or entrepreneurialism.

Experience

• significant experience as an owner or senior manager within an organisation operating in the area or in a significant sector
• a proven track record of providing strategic leadership, achieving organisational objectives and of operating effectively
• alternatively, as part of our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, we would also consider applications from underrepresented communities

Skills

• an understanding of Wiltshire and Swindon's economy and the factors affecting its economic growth and development
• an understanding of the public sector in supporting economic growth
• a record of effective partnership working with both public and private sector partners
• strong political acumen, with a developed and informed understanding of the relevant political landscape but not strongly publicly expressed political affiliations
• ability to think creatively and work collaboratively to identify and achieve commons goals
• ability to exercise independent judgement and advise on decisions for the benefit of the area

Personal attributes

• A strong communicator. You must be a confident and effective public speaker but also be an excellent listener, able to demonstrate responsiveness to a range of perspectives and opinions.
• A strong partnership worker and effective influencer. You will be able to work collaboratively with a range of individuals with differing interests and perspectives, to build new relationships and work effectively across boundaries.
• A credible and effective ambassador for the whole area.
• A persuasive and effective stakeholder, able to develop existing relationships and networks, build new collaborative partnerships and work effectively across boundaries.