We are excited to be launching our South of Scotland Enterprise Youth Advisory Forum, which we hope will help us to better understand the economic issues impacting young people in the South of Scotland.

We want to make sure the decisions we make include the voice of young people so that we can work towards building a better future for the South of Scotland.

As a result of a successful first round of applications, we are currently only seeking applications from young people in:

• the west of Dumfries and Galloway,
• the Scottish Borders.

If you wish to apply for this opportunity, please keep reading for more information and complete your application as soon as possible.  

The role

• We are looking to form a diverse group of young people aged 16 to 25 who live in Dumfries and Galloway or the Scottish Borders who will become members of our Forum for an initial two-year period.
• Members must have a permanent address in Dumfries and Galloway or the Scottish Borders but could be studying outside the South of Scotland.
• Meetings will be a mix of face to face and online.
• We plan to run each face-to-face meeting twice, once in the Scottish Borders and once in Dumfries and Galloway, with the exact location of each depending on where the members live.
• These are voluntary positions, but travel expenses will be reimbursed. We may also be able to help if you would like to apply but face barriers such as childcare costs or a lack of technology.

What will we expect from you?

• Regular attendance at meetings and training/coaching sessions alongside preparation time (approximately six to eight hours per month in total).
• A willingness to talk openly and honestly whilst being open-minded, creative, optimistic, and ambitious.
• To work with other members of the Forum and SOSE staff.
• Be a champion for the South and passionate about representing the views of young people.
• Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn!

What can you expect from us?

• We will listen to you and consider your views when we are making decisions.
• You will be supported through the completion of the SCQF Level 5 Participative Democracy Certificate (optional), delivered in collaboration with YouthLink Scotland
• We will give you opportunities to gain new networks of professional contacts.
• We will help you to build your confidence in working with all levels within our organisation.
• We will help you to gain new skills that will help in your future career.

Your application

In your application, we want to know about who you are as a person, not just the qualifications you may have. We specifically want to hear about:

• What it’s like to live/work/study in your part of the South
• The things you like to do in your spare time
• What qualities you have that you think would be useful if you were successful in becoming a Youth Advisory Forum member

We understand that people prefer to communicate in different ways, so we are happy for you to submit your application in either written, audio or video formats.

Depending on which format you choose, we have some guidelines we need you to follow:

• Video and audio files should be a maximum of 3 minutes.
• Written applications should be a maximum of 2 pages in length.

How to apply

If you’d like to apply, please complete the short form to provide us with your details including which format you’d like to use for your application.

Contact us 

If you have any further questions on the role, the application process or anything else related to the Forum, please get in touch by emailing youthadvisoryforum@sose.scot.