Over the years I have had the privilege, honour and sometimes curse (!) of sitting on a number of public/private Boards and committees. My thoughts go out to all those who have recently chosen to sit on the Boards of the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). From my experience I would like to offer a few words of encouragement and warning designed to help each LEP achieve its aims and objectives.
These thoughts are in no order of importance and purely reflect my own experiences:
- Set out your aims and objectives straight away
- Be clear as to what you can and cannot achieve - do not try to be "all things to all men"
- Do a few things well rather than many things badly
- You are not a council committee so do not behave like one!
- In setting up your constitution remain faithful to the simple premise of "one person one vote" and ensure that there is a private sector majority of members
- In no circumstances agree to a constitution which gives public sector "founder members" the right to overturn a majority vote
- Run the meetings just like a private sector Board - tight, focussed and make decisions rather than procrastinate
- The public sector has an important role to play so make use of the knowledge held and do not set out to duplicate functions
- If other quasi organisations are "backed into" a LEP as an executive or similar do not just accept that it is fit for purpose. Start a full review and if necessary reappoint or renew.
- Have a simple informative website but do not spend silly money on it
- Insist on a 75% rolling attendance rate from all members or they are voted off
- Public sector members are generaly appointees and as such there may be a rapid churn due to elections, reshuffles etc. Where possible gain commitment for continuity or decisions will stall
- Ensure that everyone around the table has authority to vote on all matters i.e. no deferring to gain cabinet/member etc approval
- If the public sector funds the executive it is reasonable for them to request some ground rules. Agree them at the outset to avoid misunderstanding later.
- You are local ENTERPRISE partnerships - so address Enterprise and do not get sidetracked on peripheral matters
- Do not get sucked in to publicity campaigns unless they are integral to the core aims or you get tainted and alienate a wide cross section of the community
- Be sensitive to political situations but make the right decision not the politically expedient one
- Be open and transparent to avoid conspiracy theories - publish all Board minutes on the website etc
- Be bold - no-one remembers people who do not make a difference
- Think about who needs your help most - large corporates or pre start businesses - do not get sucked into the "glamour" of association with big names
- Think carefully about what you want the executive to do - keep it small and tight
- Do not directly deliver ANYTHING - enable others to do this
And finally before you make any decisions just ask yourself what your answer will be when your 8 year old grandson asks exeactly what did you achieve on the LEP?!
I wish everyone the best of luck and great success in achieving all that you set out to do - your country needs you!
