Are you interested in sustainable development, climate change and space for nature in Kirklees?  Are you willing to work with local firms, health and care organisations, housing providers, Kirklees Council, the University of Huddersfield, and local faith and community groups?

If you say YES to these questions why not join the Kirklees Climate Commission?  We are seeking five new Commissioners to join the existing fifteen members.  As a Commissioner, you will:

• learn about local action on climate change, from policies and plans to practical projects;
• work with the other Commissioners to agree priorities and actions plans;
• make sure the Commission works effectively, inclusively and fairly;
• help build trust, alliances and co-operation across diverse organisations and communities for more and better action on climate change in Kirklees; and
• build links between the Commission and your networks, communities and organisations you are involved in.

Anyone can be a Commissioner, all you need is the ambition to make Kirklees a better place to live in, now and in the future.

Kirklees Climate Commission

Kirklees Climate commission (KCC) was established in July 2021 as an independent advisory body to bring actors from the public, private and third sectors together to support and guide climate actions across all parts of Kirklees.

At its inception twenty Commissioners were appointed, and these Commissioners have guided the work of KCC over the past three years.

A key component of the work of KCC has been to establish a Company Limited by Guarantee in order to allow it to bid for funds to support its work.  This company – Kirklees Climate Ltd (KCL) – also provides the management structure for KCC.

Refreshing the role and purpose of KCC, the stated object of KCL is that it should be an independent advocate and agent for fair and effective action on climate change in the Kirklees District.  This object in practice becomes the mission of KCC and guides the activities that it seeks to promote and operationalise.

KCC works in partnership with Kirklees Council, the University of Huddersfield and other organisations in order to develop and deliver a wide range of initiatives.

The Role of a Commissioner

As KCC has evolved the role of a Commissioner has changed.  Initially, Commissioners were sought to represent different sectors and organisations across Kirklees; this remains an important cross-cutting requirement.

All Commissioners should have expertise and/or strong interest in climate change and its consequences and should be able to connect with communities, organisations and sectors of relevance to the work of KCC

Additionally, Commissioners should be willing to contribute to the work programme of KCC and assist in seeking financial and other support for this work programme. It is important that Commissioners are willing to help to develop and deliver specific workstreams.

Commissioners are appointed initially for a three year period. 

Commissioners are expected to attend all meetings of the Commission and contribute to specific activities.  The time commitment is a minimum of one day a month.

The role of Commissioner is unpaid.

Skills, Knowledge and Networking

KCC promotes fairness, inclusion and engagement in all of its activities, and welcomes applications from potential Commissioners who can contribute to its work.  The current Commissioners come from a variety of backgrounds and have an extensive range of skills and knowledge.

The intention of this recruitment exercise is to strengthen the existing skills, knowledge and networking capability of KCC.

In particular we welcome applications from individuals as follows.

• Who can represent the diverse communities of Kirklees – such individuals should demonstrate an ability to reflect the challenges facing communities as they deal with climate change.
• Who are familiar with primary and secondary education – in particular we seek persons who have experience of climate action at school level.
• Who are qualified and experienced in the fields of infrastructure, civil engineering and associated disciplines – in particular we welcome applications from persons who have practical experience of adapting or ‘climate proofing’ facilities.
• Who are involved in travel, transport and accessibility, especially the vital roles of promoting active travel and shifting from personal to collective travel, and the importance of ensuring changes in patterns of movement and fuel choices.
• Who are engaged in communications, public relations and the media – this is an essential field of activity in order to ensure the effective transmission of climate change priorities and messages.
• Who are involved in business, especially in the manufacturing and retail/wholesale sectors and who have experience of adapting to climate change.
• Who have other skills, knowledge and networking abilities relevant to the activities of KCC.

We intend to recruit between five new Commissioners and aim to achieve a greater representation of the communities of Kirklees through the recruitment process.

Elected public representatives and others are eligible to apply for the role of Commissioner, but they must act as an individual if appointed.

The minimum age to be a Commissioner at the time of appointment is 18 years.

For more information and an application form please email Tony Newham  ( tonynewham@keycommercialfinance.co.uk.) Closing date for applications is 30th November 2024.

The completed form can be returned as follows:-

• By email to ClimateChange@kirklees.gov.uk or
• Via post to “The Directors, Kirklees Climate Ltd, 45 New Laithe Hill, Huddersfield, England, HD4 6RF”.

Should you require further information or wish to have an informal conversation with a member of the Selection Panel, please contact one of the following:

Professor Peter Roberts, Chair of KCC, on 07850379634

Kiran Bali, a Commissioner, on 07944335855

Tony Newham, a Commissioner, on 07988417344