Could you help drive climate action across the Kirklees district? 

The Kirklees Climate Commission (KCC) is an independent advocate driving fair, innovative and effective climate change action within the Kirklees district. It provides advice and services to help the district adapt to a rapidly changing climate while reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with national commitments. 

We are now looking for at least three new Commissioners to join the KCC, and are particularly keen to hear from leaders in the business community. 

The Commissioners are unpaid volunteers who bring experience and expertise from a variety of backgrounds. They work closely with Kirklees Council and the University of Huddersfield to provide independent advice and support to local households, groups and businesses. 

As a Commissioner, you will:

• Learn about local action on climate change, from policies and plans to practical projects.
• Work with the other Commissioners to agree priorities and actions plans.
• Make sure the Commission works effectively, inclusively and fairly.
• Help build trust, alliances and co-operation across diverse organisations and communities for more and better action on climate change in Kirklees.
• Build links between KCC and your own networks, communities and organisations.

Anyone over 18 can be a Commissioner - all you need is the ambition to make Kirklees a better place in which to live and work, now and in the future.

To apply, please download this application form (.doc format), and email your completed form to tonynewham@keycommercialfinance.co.uk

The deadline for applications is Friday 5 December 2025. 

Introducing Kirklees Climate Commission

Kirklees Climate commission (KCC) was established in July 2021 as an independent advisory body to bring actors from the public, private and third sectors together to support and guide climate actions across all parts of Kirklees.

Twenty Commissioners joined at launch, and have guided the work of KCC to date. Seven new Commissioners were appointed in early 2025. 

We have established a limited company, Kirklees Climate Ltd, to allow KCC to bid for funds to support its work. This company also provides the management structure for KCC.

KCC works in partnership with Kirklees Council, the University of Huddersfield and other organisations in order to develop and deliver a wide range of initiatives.

The role of a Commissioner

All Commissioners should have expertise or a strong interest in climate change and its consequences, and should be able to connect with communities, organisations and sectors of relevance to the work of KCC

Commissioners should be willing to contribute to the work programme of KCC, and assist in seeking financial and other support for this work programme. It is important that Commissioners are willing to help to develop and deliver specific workstreams.

Commissioners are appointed initially for a three-year period.  

Commissioners are expected to attend all meetings of the Commission and contribute to specific activities.  The time commitment is a minimum of one day a month.

The role of Commissioner is unpaid. 

What we're looking for

KCC promotes fairness, inclusion and engagement in all of its activities, and welcomes applications from potential Commissioners who can contribute to its work. Current Commissioners come from a variety of backgrounds and have an extensive range of skills and knowledge.

This recruitment exercise aims to strengthen the existing skills, knowledge and networking capability of KCC.

We particularly welcome applications from individuals who:

• Are involved in business, especially in the manufacturing and retail/wholesale sectors and who have experience of adapting to climate change.
• ​Can represent the diverse communities of Kirklees. Such individuals should demonstrate an ability to reflect the challenges facing communities as they deal with climate change.
• Are familiar with primary and secondary education. In particular, we seek persons who have experience of climate action at school level.
• Are qualified and experienced in the fields of infrastructure, civil engineering and associated disciplines. In particular, we welcome applications from people with practical experience of adapting or ‘climate proofing’ facilities.
• Are involved in travel, transport and accessibility. We are particularly interested in promoting active travel, shifting from personal to collective travel, and changing patterns of movement and fuel choices.
• Are engaged in communications, public relations and the media. This is an essential field of activity in order to ensure the effective transmission of climate change priorities and messages.
• Have other skills, knowledge and networking abilities relevant to the activities of KCC.

Elected public representatives and others are eligible to apply for the role of Commissioner, but they must act as an individual if appointed.

Commissioners must be at least 18 years old at the time of appointment.