Could you be part of the new Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Climate Commission?

A new Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Climate Commission is seeking applications to join as its first Commissioners.

The independent body is being set up to challenge, catalyse and convene the region’s leaders, organisations and communities to take effective action in the face of the climate and ecological emergencies. 

A highly diverse range of people, with a wide range of skill sets, experience, geography, ages and backgrounds, are wanted to bring their unique perspectives to being Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’s first Climate Commissioners.

Applications are now open, with a deadline of Monday 8 April, and details on how to apply can be found at the Commission’s website www.cornwallandiosclimate.org.uk

Climate Commissions are independent organisations that bring together people and organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors who work together to help drive, guide, support and track climate action.

There are over 20 Climate Commissions across the UK, providing assurance, technical advice and advocacy for action across cities or regions.

The Climate Commission model has been designed to create a visible and widely representative mechanism; proactive, engaged, neutral, knowledgeable networks with collective “climate clout”; and a platform for broader engagement and democratic deliberation.

The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Commission is being set up by a Development Group drawn together from different sectors across the region, including community, business, education, culture and agriculture.

The Development Group will shortlist the applications and select the first Commissioners.

The Commission will initially consist of between 10 and 15 Commissioners, who will serve a three-year term with the potential for a second term.

Commissioners will meet quarterly, and have the option to establish sub-groups, panels and committees to bring other perspectives and skills into the Commission.

The time commitment involved will vary between Commissioners, but will involve at least four meetings a year.

Professor Martin Siegert, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Cornwall at the University of Exeter, who has been acting as Chair of the Climate Commission Development Group, said: “We are incredibly excited to launch the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Climate Commission.

“The Commission will need support from across the private, public and community sectors, so we strongly encourage involvement from local organisations, businesses, NGOs, community groups, academic institutions and representative bodies such as Chambers of Commerce and the local authority.

“It is important that the Commission reflects the diversity and makeup of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and that the Commissioners are balanced and representative of gender, ethnicity, age, area, and income level.”

Councillor Martyn Alvey, Development Group member and Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, said: “The idea of a Climate Commission for Cornwall came about as a suggestion to me from residents.

“I was delighted that Professor Siegert from the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus agreed to chair a group of well-respected individuals from across a range of professional interests and who understand the challenge of climate change, net zero, and how it may affect the region, to come together and form the Commission’s development group.

“Through meeting regularly over that past few months we have collaborated to set a firm foundation for a Commission to establish, which will now form as a wholly independent organisation.”

Kirstie Edwards, Development Group member and Climate and Environment Engagement Officer at Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum, said: “We are delighted to be part of the Climate Commission development group, as the voice of the VCSE Sector.

“The Climate Commission has a crucial role in our journey towards whole society resilience and meeting our collective net zero targets.

“As a sector which employs 9,600 staff delivering support and services often to people and places vulnerable to climate change, the VCSE has a huge role to play in reducing our climate impact.

“It’s incredibly important that all sectors across Cornwall work together to address the collective challenges we face.

“The Commission will consolidate the excellent work all our partners are facilitating and show great collaborative leadership for Cornwall.”