Ellen Winser, Business position Board member SWRDA

I became a South West RDA board member in December 2007 and was quickly allocated to various sub groups. These either cover an activity or subject such as; Business or the Sub National Review, or places such as Falmouth Docks. Some of the groups that I joined were concerned with things that I knew something about and others….

The frequency of meetings is largely dictated by need. If nothing is happening on a particular subject, we don’t meet. Mostly meetings are called by members of the executive but on occasion they are initiated by a member. I have suggested a meeting in connection with places close to me where I have become aware of certain developments that might not have been picked up by others further away. Local knowledge can be useful in this way.

Every effort is made to try to time meetings of these sub groups to coincide with meetings of the main board but this isn’t always possible or appropriate (and in any case sometimes one person would have to be in two meetings simultaneously). As a result I have found that these sub groups take up at least as much time as the main board meetings, but they provide opportunities to explore subjects in far greater depth than is possible in a full meeting and, for a new member, they provide opportunities to get to know members of the executive much more quickly than would otherwise be the case.

No one contemplating RDA board membership should assume that the task involves only two days a month, but how much time is taken up is largely dictated by one’s membership of these sub groups. I don’t begrudge the time because the subject matter is so interesting. I have a learned a great deal about our region and I have had the opportunity to share some of my specialist knowledge with others, usefully I hope. The sheer variety of subject matter can be bewildering but means there is little chance of being bored.

Judith Reynolds, Voluntary/Community sector Board member SWRDA

As a South West RDA board member I have taken on responsibility for the European agenda on behalf the board. The South West is in receipt of a variety of Euro funds including Convergence and Competitiveness, but also a range of smaller territorial and cross border arrangements also exist. My role means that I chair both the regional Cohesion group (which takes responsibility for our response to and role in future European policy) and the Management Board of our regional office in Brussels (fondly known as SWUKBO). I am also a member of various Programme Management Committees across the different funds.

So this week I have been in Torquay attending a road show on State Aids, run by our Brussels staff for regional partners including local authorities, and also chairing a meeting of the Management Board. One of our preoccupations at the moment is managing the problems the sterling-euro exchange rate is giving us, but we also heard how moving to a better location in Brussels is paying dividends in raising our profile with the Euro movers and shakers! We have a very talented staff, and it is always exciting to feel part of the bigger picture.

Next week I shall be going to Rotterdam to represent the Agency at an international meeting concerning another European initiative. These trips are always interesting, as I meet both fellow board members from other RDAs and colleagues from similar institutions from across Europe. Definitely not a ‘jolly’ though – I will be in Rotterdam less than 24hours!

My European role has given me opportunities for learning about a subject that normally I would never have become involved in at this level, and although it has been sometimes fraught, particularly as the current programme was unfolding and we needed to bring regional partners together to create a coherent and compelling set of activities, it is also a great experience. Being an RDA board member isn’t just about Board meetings, there is a huge agenda to pursue.

Brian Robinson, Board Member

Being a member of the South West RDA Board brings me in to contact with a wide range of people across the region. The Board meet regularly to consider key investment decisions and develop strategy but much work is devolved to sub groups. I chair the Rural Advisory Group which brings together key sectors of the rural economy and helps to ensure the RDA delivers economic benefits to rural communities as well as the main cities.

I also sit on the Audit Committee where my background in financial services and risk helps me to understand the control procedures and risk management arising from the RDA’s many initiatives ranging from investment in new wave hub technology to establishing a science park to lead new skills development.

Joining the Board in 2007 coincided with government changes to the RDAs’ role to incorporate responsibilities for regional planning in partnership with a newly established Local Government Leaders Board. Shaping the emerging operation structure and building working relationships with local authority leaders is a critical part of delivering a single regional strategy for the South West.

The scope for engagement is vast and at an early stage it was clear I needed to prioritise key areas where I could make a difference. I selected broadband investment as a key area and have worked to raise the profile of poor broadband access and slow transaction speed. This is of key importance to the rural communities in the South West. I have taken every opportunity to raise the issue with business, rural groups and infrastructure partners. Additional research has clarified the problems and enabled us to work with other RDAs  to bring broadband to the top of the agenda  across several business departments including BIS and DEFRA.

Responding to the economic crisis and reduction in funding the board reviewed and refocused during 2009. I am sure in these uncertain times we will have much more to do in the near future.

I combine my work with the South West RDA with being a Councillor on Gloucestershire Council and Forest of Dean District council. A key skill is managing meetings. I find it demanding but very enjoyable.