Mayor Claire appoints Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise Representative for the East Midlands

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, has appointed Kim Harper as the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Representative for the region. 

Kim has joined the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Board as the VCSE Associate Board member to advocate for the sector and promote inclusion.  Mayor Claire and Kim will work together to address the needs of under-represented groups. 

As the representative for the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise sector, Kim will:  

• Advocate for the sector: Represent the interests and concerns of charities, community groups, and voluntary organisations within the EMCCA Board discussions.  

• Foster collaboration: Build connections between the VCSE sector and local authorities to encourage joint initiatives and partnerships.  

• Contribute expertise: Share knowledge and insights from the voluntary sector to inform decisions and strategies.  

• Provide strategic input: Ensure voluntary sector perspectives are considered in shaping regional priorities and policies. 

• Promote inclusivity: Highlight and address the needs of underrepresented groups in the community to support equitable decision-making. 

Kim has decades of experience across public, private, and voluntary sectors. As the CEO of Community Action Derby, she has successfully led the organisation through significant challenges. Kim is known for her strong leadership, commercial capabilities, and ability to build impactful relationships.  

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “I’m delighted to welcome Kim to the EMCCA Board. She has over 30 years of experience advocating for the voluntary sector and supporting communities to grow stronger.  

“For too long, the people in the East Midlands have not been given the tools that they need to thrive. As Mayor, I am changing that. We are ensuring that economic growth in the region is shaped and felt by everyone, not just a few. This is a vital year for us, as the Inclusive Growth Commission share their results with us in the Autumn and we get started on putting the roadmap into action.  

“Appointing Kim – who has a wealth of knowledge in regeneration and community development – will ensure that we can give everyone opportunities to build a better future in our region.” 

Kim Harper, VCSE Associate Board member, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to join the EMCCA Board as the representative for the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector. I’m dedicated to community engagement, inclusivity, and supporting the VCSE sector, contributing to stronger communities and national and social policy.  

 “In this role, I’m keen to ensure that the sector’s contribution to developing stronger, resilient communities is recognised and opportunities maximised, to make our region a fantastic place to live, work and visit for everyone.” 

Find out more about how the East Midlands is prioritising inclusive growth here.