GFirst LEP is looking for someone passionate about Gloucestershire, its economic wellbeing and future success.

GFirst LEP's primary goal is to grow the economy of Gloucestershire. It has achieved significant success since its formation in 2011. The LEP has successfully bid for over £113 million in capital projects and over £35 million of European funding.

The organisation is looking for a new board member who has extensive experience in the advanced engineering and manufacturing sector. This is a very important sector for the county, representing 14 per cent of the county's GVA, contributing £2.6 billion in 2020 and employing over 35,000 people across Gloucestershire.

The role of this voluntary position as a board member will be to:

• Actively promote, celebrate and raise awareness of the advanced engineering and manufacturing sector, including any current issues within it

• Champion the advanced engineering and manufacturing sector at board level

• Work with the dedicated Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Business Group to identify areas in which the LEP can help this sector, whether that is in the skills arena, access to finance or fine-tuning the offer from the Growth Hub network to the sector

GFirst LEP is committed to ensuring the board represents the diversity of Gloucestershire and welcomes applications from anyone aged 18 or over who can broaden its diversity. GFirst LEP is committed to ensuring that, by 2023, at least 50 per cent of its board members are women.

Ruth Dooley, chair of GFirst LEP, said: "This role has come at a pivotal time for GFirst LEP, as we play our central part in the Government's Levelling Up Agenda.

"The Government clearly recognises the vital role LEPs have played in sustaining local economic growth through the pandemic and supporting businesses throughout the country.

"The LEP's actions will continue to be essential going forward, as we navigate the upcoming challenges our economy faces on a national and local scale. Taking over the reins from long-standing board member Neill Ricketts, CEO of Versarien plc, this position on the GFirst LEP board offers an exciting opportunity to represent the advanced engineering and manufacturing sector within the collective independent voice of Gloucestershire."

GFirst LEP is led by the business community in partnership with the voluntary, education and public sectors to help Gloucestershire realise its economic potential.

To apply, send a copy of your current CV along with a cover letter to info@gfirstlep.com. Closing date for applications is October 31.