Their primary role is as strategic drivers of regional economic development in their region. The RDAs aim to co-ordinate regional economic development and regeneration, enable the regions to improve their relative competitiveness and reduce the imbalance that exists within and between regions.
The Regional Development Agency for the West Midlands is Advantage West Midlands (AWM). Government Offices are responsible for sponsorship of the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) on behalf of BERR. The aim is to get the best out of the RDA and this is achieved through joint working and good communication between Government Offices, the RDAs and local partners.
As part of this process the Government Office for the West Midlands is responsible for managing Central Government's day-to-day relationship with AWM. This involves:
• liaising with AWM, Government Departments and other Government Offices on RDA related issues;
• working with AWM (and partners) on regional issues for example the taking forward of the Sub National Review and development of Local Area Agreements (LAAs);
• being a ‘critical friend’ to AWM;
• administering the programme for the appointment of non-executive members to AWM’s Board, including where necessary, the appointment of a new Chair;
• supporting AWM in its reviews of the Regional Economic Strategy. A copy of the latest West Midlands Regional Economic Strategy, Connecting to Success, and its associated draft Delivery Framework on which AWM has recently been consulting, can be accessed via this link;
• providing input to AWM’s preparation of its Corporate Plan (and in liaison with BERR monitor and review its subsequent delivery). AWM is currently developing its new Corporate Plan for 2008-11. The final Plan will need to be approved by BERR Ministers;
• providing advice to Departments on major projects outside the Agency's delegated authority; and
• contributing to the development of national policy relating to RDAs.
AWM - Board Appointments
The Agency is a Non Departmental Public Body and is governed by a business-led non-executive board which provides the strategic direction for the organisation. The Government Office for the West Midlands administers the rolling programme of appointments to this board. The annual recruitment exercise usually commences in spring/summer each year with advertisements in the national press and on appropriate websites.
Board Members need a sound knowledge of the region and understanding of the factors that promote economic development and must be willing to commit a minimum of two days per month. It is important that the Board reflects the diversity of the region and we are particularly keen to receive applications from women, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.
For full details see the related word document below entitled Public Appointments to AWM’s Board.
To find out more about Advantage West Midlands, please visit the website below.
If you want to know more about Regional Development Agencies or are interested in Regional Development Agencies in other regions, please visit the BERR website below.
