New Highland Youth Convener sought

The search is on for a new convener to champion the cause of young people in the Highlands. Applicants for the position of Highland Youth Convener have until mid-day on Wednesday 30 July to register their interest in the 12-month position, which carries a bursary of £10,000.

Highland’s first youth convener, Gillian Slider from Ullapool, completes her year in office on 12 September. The youth convener is the sounding board for youth issues in the Highlands and has a direct line into policy makers and decision takers. The post holder  is a member of The Highland Council’s Education Culture and Sport Committee, with full voting powers.

Based at the Inverness headquarters of The Highland Council, the youth convener will also work with partner agencies. Gillian said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as youth convener. It has been truly rewarding to help the young people of the Highlands and make an impact on issues and developments. “

Gillian is heading to the University of Stirling to study Politics and Sociology.
Gillian’s successor will work with the Council’s Youth Development Team in developing Highland Youth Voice and other initiatives that increase youth involvement in decisions that affect them.  A key requirement is an awareness of issues affecting young people and an ability to represent their views. Good communication skills are required as is work experience in youth projects and the ability to work with and relate to a wide range of people and organisations.

Applicants are asked to write or email in no more than 500 words ‘How you would ensure young people’s views are being voiced at The Highland Council and Wellbeing Alliance meetings’, with a CV, and 2 referees noted.

The contact is Audrey Anthoney on 01463 702043, email audrey.anthoney@highland.gov.uk, The Highland Council, Glenuquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX, www.hyv.org