Mayor appoints more than 50 experts to begin work on key priorities

West Midlands mayor Richard Parker has appointed more than 50 experts from the region’s housing, transport, economic and skills sectors to help him transform thousands of lives for the better.

The 56 experts will make up four dedicated taskforces, to help guide policy and actions that tackle some the region’s biggest challenges and deliver the mayor’s key priorities – Growth for Everyone – Jobs for Everyone – Homes for Everyone and Journeys for Everyone.

The first to meet has been the Growth Taskforce, at the West Midlands Combined Authority office in Birmingham recently.

Members discussed how to help deliver the mayor’s priority to drive growth while protecting the environment by supporting businesses, fostering innovation and creativity, and making sure the benefits of growth reach all communities.

The Journeys Taskforce met this week to focus on connecting communities with safer, easier, and more affordable transport across the West Midlands.

The Jobs Taskforce is set to meet on Wednesday to look at ways to invest in skills training and apprenticeships, reduce youth unemployment, and make sure everyone has the opportunity and access to well-paying jobs.

The Homes Taskforce will meet the following day (6 February), to discuss plans for a major increase in the building of social and affordable homes and the creation of vibrant new communities, so everyone in the region has a place to call home.

The mayor said: "My mission is simple: jobs, homes, growth, and journeys for everyone in the West Midlands. 

"My priorities are about making the changes that will improve people's lives and allow our communities to thrive.

“These taskforces bring together the brightest minds to tackle our biggest challenges and help turn my vision into action with real solutions that make a lasting difference. The West Midlands is full of talent, innovation, and ambition, and with these experts at the table, we will build a better future for everyone.”

The role of the taskforces is to provide expert advice, challenge current approaches, and propose innovative solutions to deliver real, lasting change in line with the Mayor’s priorities.

Members include experts from business, education, healthcare, community organisations, and beyond. Together, they will work to shape strategies, lead projects.

To find out more about the Mayor’s Taskforces click here.

Pictured: Mayor Richard Parker (centre left) with members of the Growth Taskforce from left Andeep Mangal, Rob Johnston, Tani Dulay, Jo Russell, Steven Gardener, Mike Wright, Sajida Carr, Chris White, Nigel Driffield, Manjit Singh Jhooty, Faron McKenzie