Hertfordshire LEP Board is responsible for setting the vision and strategic priorities for economic development in the county and is accountable to the local communities it serves.
The Board is the LEP’s ultimate decision-making authority. It is comprised of public and private sector members who work collaboratively to ensure that decisions are made in the interests of promoting inclusive growth, prosperity and improved productivity in the local area and beyond. Board Members give up their time voluntarily and are unremunerated.
The LEP is seeking to appoint a new Chair, Business Representative and Not-for-Profit Representative.
The normal term of appointment is three years, to ensure a regular opportunity to refresh the membership of the Board. Should they wish, members may be re-elected for up to a further three years, but not exceed six years in total. Extension of the Chair’s initial term of office beyond three years will be agreed by a majority of the Board, excluding the Chair. The term of office could be extended by single years due to exceptional circumstances.
In September, Hertfordshire LEP Chair Mark Bretton announced his decision to step down. For the past six and half years, business leader Mark Bretton has brought his considerable acumen and wide-ranging experience to the role of Chair of Hertfordshire LEP. During his tenure, the economy has withstood unprecedented pressures from Brexit to a global pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Since 2019, Mark Bretton has also chaired the LEP Network, volunteering his time to set the overall policy direction and strategy for 38 LEPs across England.
Mark said: “When I was approached to be Chair of Hertfordshire LEP in the autumn of 2015 little did I know the journey I would find myself on. Having had a six month handover, I became Chair on the day of the Brexit vote. We have since weathered Covid and now the impact on local business and our communities of the war in Ukraine. If you are wondering why you should consider applying then let me give you a snapshot of the experience and the potential for you to leave a lasting legacy in the place you call home and/or where you work.
"LEPs are at the centre of stimulating local growth, so high up on the Government’s Levelling Up agenda. Our role is evolving to focus on developing our key sectors (life sciences, aerospace and defence, creative film media, advanced manufacturing) with a heavy focus on good, clean, net zero projects. We provide the economic insight to our Local Government colleagues as they make key decisions on how to invest precious monies from the UK Shared Prosperity and associated funds. Bringing the voice of business and what works has never been more important.
"In the past six and half years I have had the privilege to work with some extremely talented people on our Board, Sub Boards, in our Executive and amongst our stakeholders. Chairing the LEP and having the opportunity to chair the LEP Network, the body that brings all 38 LEPs in England, is an unrivalled experience. To help create, fund and then see so many excellent projects come to fruition and the impact that they make in our county is amazingly rewarding. I hope you will consider applying and I would be happy to chat to you if you would like to know more.”
Tina Barnard, Chief Executive of Watford Community Housing, is also stepping down in her role as Not-for-Profit Representative.
Tina said: “Being a Hertfordshire LEP Board member gives you a fantastic opportunity to play an active role in supporting your local community. The LEP helped residents through the COVID-19 pandemic and has driven forward projects and programmes that have lasting impact on local people and businesses, from tackling skills development and business support to providing transformative buildings and spaces that unlock the growth potential of our places. A personal highlight has been overseeing the incredible regeneration of Watford during my time as Chair of the Strategic Infrastructure Board.
"The LEP is a strategic leader in Hertfordshire and it looks for Board members who can lend their expertise and shape decision making. In 2021, I had the pleasure of helping the LEP to convene a consortium of housing providers who committed to sustainable housebuilding using offsite manufacturing and modern methods of construction to accelerate the delivery of sustainable homes – an incredibly important issue that required thought leadership to affect change at ground level.
"With the LEP’s remit evolving in exciting ways, there are countless opportunities to make your mark as a LEP Board member and meet fellow business leaders who will inspire you along the way. I encourage anyone who is passionate about shaping Hertfordshire’s future to apply today.”
Learn more and apply by 13 November:
Chairing the LEP and having the opportunity to chair the LEP Network, the body that brings all 38 LEPs in England, is an unrivalled experience.
Chairing the LEP and having the opportunity to chair the LEP Network, the body that brings all 38 LEPs in England, is an unrivalled experience.