The University of Gloucestershire is establishing a new youth board to give young people a voice in the development of all things cyber and tech at Cheltenham's Golden Valley.
With construction of the project's nationally significant cyber innovation centre, IDEA, set to begin this year, the university says the advisory board will ensure the perspectives and experiences of young people help inform the development of 'one of the UK's most ambitious innovation ecosystems'.
The board will allow young people aged 16 to 24 to contribute ideas, challenge thinking and advise on issues including skills development, education, careers, inclusion, emerging technologies and community engagement at the project's cyber innovation district.
Shadowing the existing Golden Valley Advisory Board, members of the Youth Advisory Board will come from 'a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences', including students, apprentices, early-career professionals and young people with an interest in technology, innovation and security.
At its quarterly board meetings, members will have opportunities to engage directly with senior leaders, contribute to consultations and pilot initiatives, and help shape communications and outreach activities aimed at young people.
Dame Clare Marchant, DBE, University of Gloucestershire vice-chancellor and skills lead for the Golden Valley Advisory Board, said: 'Golden Valley is a long-term investment in the future of our region and the opportunities it can create for generations to come. It is therefore vital that young people have a meaningful voice in helping to shape that future.
'The Youth Advisory Board will provide a platform for young people to share their perspectives, challenge assumptions and contribute ideas that will help ensure Golden Valley remains inclusive, responsible and focused on the needs of future generations.'
Young people interested in joining the board are being invited to express their interest by completing a short online form on the university's website, at glos.ac.uk/golden-valley-youth-advisory-board.
Online information sessions will then take place in June and July, providing opportunities for people to ask questions and learn more, ahead of making an application via an 'informal' process. Applications will close on Monday 31 August 2026, with interviews and selection taking place in September before the first meeting of the board in the autumn.
