In a national first, members of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) board have agreed to appoint a trade union representative to the board.
Chairman of the LEP, Sir Nigel Knowles, as well as fellow board members, gave their strong support to the proposals at a meeting held in the heart of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District.
Sir Nigel said: “The way to get things done is through the Sheffield City Region. Our strong public-private sector partnership is driving forward economic growth, creating jobs and securing investment from leading global companies such as McLaren and Boeing.
“But to catalyse inclusive growth that benefits all our communities, we must ensure our LEP board is truly representative of the diversity of our city region. That’s why I’m so pleased that, from now on, we as a LEP will be working more closely with Trade Unions.
“I look forward to welcoming our Trade Union representative to the board.”
The SCR LEP will now be the first LEP in the country with a Trade Union representative on its board. The next step in the process will be to write to the Trade Union Congress, seeking their nomination for an individual to fill this role.
It is anticipated that the new member will take up their seat on the board for its next meeting in September.
This decision was informed by a manifesto commitment from Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region (SCR), to empower the LEP and trade unions to work together more closely.
Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region and LEP board member, said: “I am delighted that the LEP have decided to appoint a Trade Union representative. Too many people forget the advancements that were won by Trade Unions, and too many people think that these victories are irreversible and permanent. They couldn’t be more wrong.
“If we are to ensure that the voices of working people are clearly heard, we must promote the positive influence of Trade Unions in 21st century Britain.”
Bill Adams, regional secretary at TUC Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “The regional TUC in Yorkshire and the Humber are delighted at this news.
“It really does show the benefits of devolution, and underlines that genuine social partnership brings added value to the economy of Sheffield City Region and improvements in opportunities for all.”
