The UK Government’s Pride in Place Programme empowers local people to shape the future of their neighbourhood. It gives communities the resources and tools to drive change themselves and shape their neighbourhoods for the better.
Local residents know what changes their areas need, and that is why communities will be leading the delivery of the programme. This community-led approach means that decision-making sits with local residents, giving people the power to shape the future of their areas.
Purpose of neighbourhood boards
Led by residents, the neighbourhood board will represent the communities they serve, deciding where and how funding will be spent.
Board Chair
The neighbourhood board will be led by an independent Chair, appointed and approved by the local MP and local authority.
The Chair acts as a champion for the place and local people, organising engagement that reaches out into the community, to ensure decision-making is community-led.
The Chair will lead the process of recruiting and convening the Board, with the support of the local authority and the local MP.
Established community leaders, as well as people who may not have always engaged with local services or groups can be considered for the role.
Board make-up
The Board should bring together residents, local businesses, grassroots campaigners, workplace representatives, faith, and community leaders and those with a deep connection to their area.
There must be more residents and people who live or work in the area on than there are elected representatives.
Neighbourhood Boards must also include the relevant local MP and at least one ward councillor
The Chair of the board must consider the following groups:
- Community leaders, organisers and activists, such as local charities, faith groups, community groups, neighbourhood forums, youth groups or social clubs
- Local businesses and social enterprises, such as key local employers, the local Chamber of Commerce or Business Improvement District, registered social housing providers or Co-operatives
- Cultural, arts, heritage and sporting organisations, such as local sports clubs or sporting organisations, local heritage groups or local museums and arts spaces
- Public agencies and anchor institutions, such as local schools, higher education and further education institutions, local health care providers, or relevant representatives from local authorities
Once the independent chair has been appointed they will select members of the neighbourhood board.
The local authority and the local MP must approve the final Board selection.