Sheffield First Strong Economy Board
What is the Strong Economy Board?
The Strong Economy Board is the new group that will oversee economic development in Sheffield. It will bring together representatives from the public, private and voluntary sector to coordinate activity and make decisions on the strategic direction of the city’s economic development.
Why do we need the Strong Economy Board?
The Strong Economy Board will provide:
- accountability and leadership for the city’s economic policy and strategy;
- expertise to help shape the city’s economic strategy and priorities over time;
- governance to ensure that the city’s economic strategy serves all of Sheffield and is communicated effectively to stakeholders;
- transparency with its meetings open to the public.
How does it get its authority?
The Sheffield First Partnership Board oversees the development and collective performance of the five thematic partnerships. The Strong Economy Board is the partnership that has been tasked with overseeing the economy.
What will it do?
The Strong Economy Board will be responsible for ensuring that the city's key economic strategies provide a relevant and forward looking framework for economic development in the city.
To meet those requirements, the Strong Economy Board will:
- be chaired by the Leader of Sheffield City Council;
- involve diverse stakeholders with specialist expertise;
- be small enough for meaningful challenge and debate.
The Strong Economy Board will be the steward for all of the goals and aspirations identified by the Sheffield First Partnership across a broad range of economic issues. The Strong Economy Board will:
- keep itself informed of current economic performance;
- ensure policies and strategies are up to date and coordinated;
- commission delivery to meet key strategic objectives;
- commission any research required;
- set priorities for key economic investments.
The Strong Economy Board will not be expected to get involved in every single detail of project delivery - it will remain focussed on making sure the right strategies are in place. The Strong Economy Board will commission activity from Creativesheffield (the city’s delivery vehicle for economic development) and other partners.
Please contact edward.highfield@sheffield.gov.uk or diana.buckley@sheffield.gov.uk for further information.