Are you a parent and want to help more young people become part of tomorrow's workforce?

Advisory Board - Parent Vacancy - Background, Role and Responsibilities

Developing the Young Workforce (DYW)

Developing the Young Workforce is a Scottish Government scheme which aims to help young people connect with the world of work. This is mainly done through identifying and working with employers to find opportunities, introducing them into the school curriculum so that the young people understand the opportunities that are available across a range of industries within their region.

Inverness Chamber of Commerce (ICC)

The programme is hosted by Inverness Chamber of Commerce who are one of the region’s main business support organisations. All Developing the Young Workforce Inverness and Central Highland (DYW ICH) staff are employed by ICC and there is a growing synergy between DYW ICH and ICC.

DYW ICH Advisory Board

The DYW ICH Advisory Board are a group of private and public sector employers who come together on a regular basis to give advice to DYW ICH that helps ensure the programme is delivering opportunities that are relevant to local employers and preparing a pipeline of talent for the future.

The Advisory Board also has a representation from other key stakeholders including educators/teachers and parents.

Parent Vacancy

We currently have a vacancy on the Advisory Board for a parent representative. We are seeking a parent who is already an active member of a parent council within one of the 14 secondary schools we support. These are identified on our DYWICH website

We would be delighted to receive applications from parents with the following skills, knowledge and experience: 

• Ability to think strategically
• Use a data driven, evidence-based approach to decision making
• Confident contributor to discussion
• Ability to identify opportunities and gaps in provision to support young people’s transition to the world of work and present these to the Board for discussion
• Ability to communicate with others and promote the DYW agenda to the wider community

Role and Responsibilities

The Advisory Board’s role is one of strategic direction and monitoring progress of DYW ICH against agreed Key Performance Indicators set by the Scottish Government. It is envisaged that the experience, energy and networks of each Advisory Board member can be used productively in supporting the Programme Team.

The parent member’s primary role is to provide a parent’s perspective, however they will also be expected to contribute to the wider discussion and strategic planning of the Advisory Board to set strategy and policy.

Board members will commit to:

• attending all scheduled quarterly Advisory Board and/or Sub-Committee meetings, as required and in person
• a minimum term of 1 year (4 meetings)
• making timely decisions and follow through on actions and commitments
• sharing expertise, communications, information and expertise
• notify the Chair or Programme Manager when any matter arises that may be deemed to affect the delivery of the initiative
• being proactive in promoting the DYW initiative

As the parent representative you will be able to provide valuable insight in to the opportunities and challenges faced by young people in the region and how best to supporting them in navigating the world of work.

How to apply

If you would like to know more about this role, please get in touch with the DYWICH Programme Manager, Liz Fletcher for an informal chat (email below).

To apply for this role, please email liz.fletcher@dywich.co.uk outlining why you are applying and what you would bring to this role.

Notes of interest should be made by 31 August 2024. 

Selection Process

If there is more than one applicant, selection will be made via an informal interview with the Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce and the DYW Programme Manager.

This is a voluntary, unpaid role. 

Reasonable expenses will be paid for travel to and from meetings and attending events at the request of DYWICH.