Regional Investment in Wales Steering Group: expression of interest guidance

This is an important and exciting time for regional investment policy in Wales. Following the UK Government’s commitment to restore decision-making to the Welsh Government on EU replacement funds, we have the opportunity to design a new post-2026 regional investment programme in Wales. 

The Welsh Government is committed to co-producing a new approach with partners from across Wales which will be overseen by the Regional Investment in Wales Steering Group set up to advise and challenge the Welsh Government on next steps. 

The Steering Group will bring together representative Welsh partners (notably local government, HE/FE institutions, business organisations, Trade Unions, rural, environmental and equality bodies and the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales) via meetings every 2 to 3 months and will ensure as much expertise and experience as possible contributes to the co-production process. 

We are keen to recruit new independent members to the Steering Group who have knowledge and expertise in regional policy and economic development. We hope you will consider submitting an Expression of Interest to contribute to this work and we thank you for your interest in the Regional Investment Steering Group.

A Regional Investment Steering Group was previously established to oversee the co-production with Welsh partners of the Welsh Government’s Framework for Regional Investment in Wales (published November 2020), which was intended as the model to invest replacement EU funds in Wales. Instead, the previous UK Government (2019 to 2024) designed and delivered the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) working directly with local authorities in Wales. 

This Steering Group was succeeded by a Strategic Forum in 2021 for Welsh partners to share information on UK Government legacy funding programmes, mainly the Shared Prosperity Fund, affecting Wales. As we enter a new phase of post-2026 regional investment in Wales, the Strategic Forum has been renamed the Regional Investment in Wales Steering Group, along with a refresh of its membership and Terms of Reference. As part of this, we are seeking new independent members with expertise in regional policy and economic development. 

What will joining the Regional Investment Steering Group involve?

The Steering Group is expected to meet every 2 to 3 months between March 2025 and its expected end date in Spring 2026. Meetings will be held online via Microsoft Teams. 

Meetings of the Steering Group will guide the co-production of a new post-2026 regional investment programme in Wales, and help identify the scope, focus, objectives and structure for a future approach in Wales. Discussions will inform advice to Welsh Ministers and ensure proposals developed reflect the views of Welsh partners. 

Members are expected to take a full and active role in discussions, offering insights, advice and constructive challenge to the work and progress of a new post-2026 regional investment programme for Wales. 

Membership of the Steering Group is unpaid. Should any meetings or events take place in person, independent members are entitled to Welsh Government rates for travel and subsistence within reasonable limits.

The process 

Individuals interested in joining the Steering Group as independent members are asked to complete an Expression of Interest form (Annex A) and email to RegionalInvestmentinWales@gov.wales by Friday 9 May 2025. 

If your expertise and experience is suited to supporting the aims of the Steering Group, you will be invited to an online meeting with Welsh Government officials to discuss the role and your expertise and knowledge. 

Diversity Statement 

The Welsh Government recognises the value of having public bodies reflecting a wide range of cultures, identities and backgrounds. We encourage applications from all parts of society and want to appoint from the widest and most diverse pool of talent. 

We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, marriage (including equal and same sex marriage) and civil partnership, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, impairment or health condition, race, religion or belief or pregnancy. We are committed to recruiting women, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people, disabled people and members of the LGBTQ+ people, who are currently under-represented in Board positions at public bodies. 

Welsh Language 

The Welsh Government acknowledges the importance of developing and growing bilingual capabilities in public appointments in Wales. While Welsh language skills are not essential for this role, applicants are expected to show an appreciation of bilingualism and a commitment to promoting and mainstreaming the Welsh language. We welcome your interest whatever your skill level.

Conflicts of Interest 

When submitting an Expression of Interest, you are asked to declare any private interests which may or may be perceived to conflict with the role and responsibilities of a member of the Regional Investment in Wales Steering Group including any business interests and positions of authority outside of the role in the Steering Group. 

Contacts 

For further information regarding the Regional Investment Steering Group please email RegionalInvestmentinWales@gov.wales