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How long have you worked in The Source building:
I started working at the Sheffield City Region at the beginning of August 09 on secondment from Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.
What does your job entail?
I am based in the Sheffield City Region and work on the Dearne Valley Eco Vision project. My role is to provide support to the Dearne Valley Eco Vision Project Manager in guiding the development of initiatives to realise the vision. I am responsible for monitoring progress with the delivery of series of projects contributing towards the eco-vision and providing secretariat assistance to the range of groups set up to oversee the development and implementation of the vision.
Tell us about Sheffield City Region...
The Sheffield City Region sits within the heart of the UK and includes the four local authorities within South Yorkshire as well as five local authorities, two county councils and a national park authority covering the northern part of the East Midlands region. Together we have committed to collaborative action in a bid to accelerate the economic growth of the area.
What is the Dearne Valley Eco Vision project all about?
The Dearne Valley Eco Vision is for a whole new future and identity as the first Eco Park in the UK. As a first step we want the Dearne to have the lowest carbon footprint of any comparable place - within ten years.
The Dearne would grasp the opportunities and apply the solutions needed to reduce the community's CO2 emissions such that, within a decade, it will be the lowest carbon community of its type in the UK.
The vision will drive forward the next stage of regeneration in the Dearne through a package of measures and a framework of policies to accelerate the move to a high quality, low carbon environment. This will attract businesses specialising in leading technologies and techniques to tackle climate change and bring new jobs.
Three priority themes have been identified from the eco-vision to provide us with a clear focus for delivery in the early stages:
- Community: Developing a new model of housing to create successful communities.
- Economy: Creating a specialist educational offer and a unique skills base which will support economic growth.
- Environment: Rediscovering the asset that is the river.
The vision is driven by a Dearne Valley Special Board chaired by John Healey, the local MP whose constituency covers part of the Dearne. The Board is also made up of senior politicians and officers from the four local authorities in South Yorkshire and a range of organizations who operate and provide services in the Dearne Valley.
The remit of the Special Board is to oversee the strategic development of the Dearne Valley including the creation of a vision for the Dearne, backed up by the delivery of strategic plans and interventions. A series of groups operate underneath the Dearne Valley Special Board to provide advice to the Special Board and undertake specific pieces of work, as directed by the Board
What's the best thing about your job?
I enjoy the challenge of trying to change the way people live, work and learn, hopefully giving benefits to people lives and future generations to come. Due to the nature of my job I also get to go out and about and meet new people each day. I like to be busy and working with the three local authorities and partners can also bring many challenges.
And the worst?
The worst part of my job is resisting shopping in Meadowhall each day. Since working at The Source I have spent the majority of my earnings within the first week but I like to think of this as helping the local economy!
Any interesting hobbies?
In my spare time I dance for Rotherham Teachers Operatic Society, taking part in shows each year at Rotherham Civic Theatre. Our next show is Footloose which starts on Monday 2nd November and I am currently really busy rehearsing. I also enjoy shopping and socialising with the girlies at the weekends.
And the million dollar question for October... What is on your Christmas list this year?
Well if I could have anything it would be a new car but that seems unlikely; maybe an Apple iphone would be nice. I would be grateful for whatever I get to be honest. What I enjoy most about Christmas is having some relaxing time off work and spending time celebrating with family and friends.
