‘Cumbria’s Future Generation’ will help young people shape the county’s economic future.”

The success of Cumbria’s ambitious 20-year Economic Strategy will rely on the ideas, insights and involvement of the next generation. To ensure the strategy truly reflects the aspirations and needs of its young people, Enterprising Cumbria has announced a major step towards more inclusive engagement with future generations.

In collaboration with the Centre for Leadership Performance (CforLP), Enterprising Cumbria will revitalise and rebrand the existing Cumbria Future Leaders Steering Group. The newly formed Cumbria’s Future Generation (CFG) will provide a dynamic, inclusive, and representative platform for Cumbrians aged 16 to 35 to have a voice in key economic decisions and wider strategic planning across the county.

Building a Stronger Youth Voice

Recognising that the voice of young people in Cumbria is currently fragmented—often tied to specific areas of the County, sectors, or demographics—the new CFG initiative will:

• Expand geographical reach, with targeted efforts to include underrepresented areas such as Eden and Central Lakes.
• Broaden sector representation, bringing in voices from industries like hospitality, arts and culture, and agriculture.
• Enhance diversity, ensuring inclusion of care-experienced individuals, people of colour, neurodiverse young people, and others historically underrepresented.

Existing youth groups including the Brilliant Barrow Shadow Board, BECBC Shadow Board, the previous Futures Forum and Cumbria Future Leaders will play a vital role in recruiting new members and strengthening the network alongside working with partners who engage with young people including Cumbria Youth Alliance, Inspira, Furness Education and Skills Partnership, Cumbria’s Youth Zones and our Further Education Colleges.

Connecting Youth to Strategy

A key innovation of Cumbria’s Future Generation will be the creation of Strategic Representative roles. These representatives, nominated by the CFG Steering Group, will participate directly in the Economic Growth Board and Enterprising Cumbria Strategy Groups—bridging the gap between youth perspectives and county-level decision-making. CforLP will also work with Enterprising Cumbria and the Careers Hub to review membership and ensure inclusive representation:

Strategic Representatives will:

• Demonstrate a strong interest in Cumbria’s economic future.
• Be supported to develop the communication and leadership skills required to contribute effectively.
• Represent the views of their peers and be accountable for delegated actions.
• Be supported by their employers to fulfil the role, where applicable.
• CFG will be managed by the Centre for Leadership Performance, who will continue to provide development support to the Steering Group and Strategic Representatives.

A revised Terms of Reference will guide the operation of CFG as it evolves.

“We cannot build a strong and resilient economic future for Cumbria without involving the very people who will live that future. Cumbria’s Future Generation is our commitment to making their voices heard and counted.  This isn’t just consultation—it’s co-creation. We’re equipping young people to lead, influence, and act on behalf of their peers in a way that will shape Cumbria for decades to come,”   said David Beeby, Chair Enterprising Cumbria Growth Board.

As a not for profit enterprise the Centre for Leadership Performance will continue to support the group with surplus revenue to help ensure the success of the CFG.  CforLP Executive Director Sarah Glass says: “We have maintained a focus on empowering and developing young people within Cumbria and this initiative builds on that work. We have provided the Steering Group with money to set up their own events , and will continue to coordinate and sign-post young people to opportunities via the website portal where young people can create accounts and receive tailored weekly content.”