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The primary role of the Chair and Deputy Chair is to champion the local area and uphold the community-led spirit at the heart of the programme.
Applicants should have a strong connection to the neighbourhood and, ideally, experience of partnership working and board leadership. A genuine commitment to driving positive change and improving the lives of local residents is essential.
The area has been selected to receive up to £20 million through the national Pride in Place programme, a 10-year government initiative that places residents at the centre of investment, leadership and local decision-making. The Chair and Deputy Chair will be accountable to the Neighbourhood Board and will work closely with the local MP, ward councillors and North Somerset Council.
The Chair and Deputy Chair will recruit and lead a new Neighbourhood Board to oversee delivery of this significant programme. The roles require lateral and creative thinking to address challenges and to actively draw in a wide range of community voices.
By bringing together residents, community groups, voluntary organisations, partners and businesses, the Chair and Deputy Chair will ensure that decisions reflect the priorities, vision and aspirations of people living and working in the area.
The long-term nature of the funding allows plans to evolve over time in response to community needs, providing a stable platform for lasting and sustainable investment. Areas were selected nationally using clear published data, ensuring a fair and transparent process. The programme compliments other investments taking place across North Somerset, meaning project activity in South Ward will also benefit the wider area and potentially leverage in additional funding.
Councillor James Clayton, North Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Pride in Place, and ward councillor for South Ward, said: “This programme puts local people exactly where they belong at the very heart of decision-making. This funding represents a rare and powerful opportunity for our community to shape its own future, delivering real, lasting change for residents both now and for generations to come. The Chair and Deputy Chair will play a vital leadership role in empowering local voices and turning the community’s shared vision into reality.”
Dan Aldridge, Labour MP for Weston-super-Mare, said: "Pride in Place is about investing in the heart of communities, giving people the power over the change they want to see in their community. This is the change we can see with a Labour government. This funding is a real opportunity to restore pride, strengthen community ties, and make sure regeneration is done with people, not to them. I’m determined to work with residents, councillors and local partners to make sure this funding delivers real, visible change where it’s needed most."
The closing date for applications is 5pm, Monday 16th February 2026, with interviews scheduled for Friday 27th February 2026.
Interview will be by a panel comprising the ward councillor and council Cabinet Lead, the local MP, council HR officer, and a community representative, followed by a short engagement exercise with a citizen‑led panel.
To find out more about the role of Neighbourhood Board Chair - South Ward Pride In Place Programme go to https://itrent.n-somerset.gov.uk/ce0985li_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC179GF.open?WVID=385762Qh12&VACANCY_ID=998525WRZl
To find out more about the role of Neighbourhood Board Deputy Chair - South Ward Pride In Place Programme, go to https://itrent.n-somerset.gov.uk/ce0985li_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC179GF.open?WVID=385762Qh12&VACANCY_ID=681353WRZl
For more information about the Pride in Place programme, visit:
- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/what-is-pride-in-place
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pride-in-place-programme-prospectus/pride-in-place-programme-prospectus
- https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/pride-in-place
For any further questions or to request a recruitment pack, please contact Communities@n-somerset.gov.uk