New Highland youth convener sought

The search is on for a new youth convener to champion the cause of young people in the Highlands.

The youth convener is the sounding board for youth issues in the Highlands and has a direct line to policy makers and decision takers.

The youth convener is a unique role in that the post holder is a member of the Highland Council’s care, learning and housing committee, with full voting powers and also works with the High Life Highland youth services team in developing Highland Youth Parliament and other initiatives that increase youth involvement in decisions that affect them.

A High Life Highland spokesman said: "A key requirement of the role is an awareness of issues affecting young people and an ability to represent their views. Good communication skills are required, as is the ability to work with and relate to a wide range of people and organisations."

The youth convener is based at the Inverness office of High Life Highland and works closely with partner agencies.

Applicants for the position have until May 9 to register their interest. The full-time role (from August for 12 months, with some evening and weekend work) carries an annual bursary of £16,507.

Applicants are asked to write or email, in no more than 500 words, "How you would ensure young people’s views are voiced to the Highland Council and community planning partners", with a CV, and two referees noted.

Applications can also be submitted as video or audio, equivalent to 500 words. Interviews will take place in two stages, on June 3 and June 5.

For more information, contact senior youth development officer Ian Abbot on 01349 781704, or email ian.abbot@highlifehighland.com, or post to Ian Abbot, High Life Highland, 12/13 Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS.

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