Hucknall Westville Pride in Place

Westville, Hucknall, is set to receive £20 million over the next 10 years through the government’s Pride in Place programme. This funding will support a wide range of projects and initiatives focused on priorities such as high streets, housing, skills and jobs, health and wellbeing, transport, safety, and improving opportunities for local people. All investment will contribute to three national aims: building stronger communities, creating thriving places, and helping communities take back control of their future.

To lead this work locally, a Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board will be established. We are now seeking an independent Chair to provide leadership, bring people together, and champion the community throughout the programme.

What is the role of the Chair?

The Chair will play a key strategic role, acting as a trusted and impartial convenor who can bring together residents, community groups, partners and stakeholders to shape a shared vision for the future of Westville. They will ensure that all voices are heard, supporting open and collaborative discussions, and helping the Board reach consensus on priorities and investment.

This is a community-focused leadership role. The successful candidate will have a strong connection to the local area, a genuine commitment to improving people’s lives, and the ability to build relationships across diverse groups. They will act as a public face for the Board, representing the community and working alongside the local MP, local authority and other partners.

The Chair will not be responsible for day to day delivery but will provide strategic oversight, guidance and challenge as the programme moves from planning into delivery. They will support inclusive engagement, encourage community participation, and help ensure that decisions reflect local needs rather than individual agendas.

What does a suitable candidate look like?

We are looking for someone who is fair, approachable and able to facilitate constructive conversations - including where views differ - while remaining calm, balanced and focused on outcomes.

The role is primarily voluntary, similar to that of a school governor or charity trustee, although a small expenses allowance may be available to support participation.

What is the time commitment?

The Chair will typically require a time commitment of a minimum of 8 board meetings a year, involving meeting attendance and preparation plus additional development or engagement sessions as required. The role will however be more intensive in the first 6 months when the Chair will also need to commit time to liaise with the local MP and Ashfield District Council to support the establishment of the Board and the development of the Pride in Place plan. Applicants are advised that this time commitment is estimated to be approximately 30 to 40 hours a month for 6 months, and then approximately 8 to 10 hours a month after that.

The Chair will receive ongoing support from Ashfield District Council as the Accountable Body.

Apply here

If you feel you have what it takes, we would love to hear from you - please register your interest via this linked form.

Apply - Hucknall Westville Neighbourhood Board Chair

For an informal discussion, please contact: healthandwellbeing@ashfield.gov.uk

Recruitment timeline

12 June 2026 - Applications close

15 to 19 June 2026 - Shortlisting

3 July 2026 - Interviews

6 July 2026 - Commence in post

Pride in Place timeline

Spring 2026 - Recruitment of Neighbourhood Board Chair and members

Summer 2026 - Confirmation of Neighbourhood Board membership and place boundary to government - consultation begins

Autumn / Winter 2026 - Development of regeneration plans based on data and consultation