Recruitment begins for city deal partnership’s board

THE Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) City Deal team has started recruiting for board members for its Regional Economic Growth Partnership (REGP).

The REGP will directly advise the CCR regional cabinet – made up of the 10 council leaders across the region – and will be responsible for reviewing the regional economic strategy and advising on City Deal investment proposals. It will also have an advocacy role, promoting the region as a prime investment opportunity and visitor location.

The board will consist of a chairman/woman and six to 12 members made up of a combination of private sector businesses, employer bodies, local government, education and skills, and the third sector.

The City Deal has £1.2bn of funding available, although about half of it has been ring-fenced for the next phase of the Welsh Government’s Metro project with electrification of the Valley Lines.

Andrew Morgan, chairman of the CCR regional cabinet and leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said: “The REGP board will play an extremely important role in shaping the City Deal. We are looking for people of the highest calibre who will bring with them an understanding of the region’s economy and politics and of economic growth and policy beyond the region, and beyond Wales.

“The membership must have an outward-looking mindset which draws on other regions’ experiences and wide network of contacts across the UK and internationally.

“Ideally they will also have experience of working on Inward Investment strategies and campaigns and a willingness and ability to participate in regional campaigns and in the nurturing of potential investment opportunities.”

The positions are not remunerated, but appropriate expenses will be paid. Deadline for applications is November 17.