£20m is being invested in West Earlham & Bowthorpe.

Do you want a say in how it's spent?

Our neighbourhoods matter. The Pride in Place programme gives power to local people to decide how they would like to shape their community for the future.

Applications for the Neighbourhood Board are now closed.

We’d like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who has taken the time to find out about the Pride in Place Programme and applied to be part of the West Earlham & Bowthorpe Neighbourhood Board. We’re delighted by the number of applications we have received, which have come from people with a wide range of skills and interests.


The thing they all have in common? A genuine desire to achieve great things for the communities of West Earlham & Bowthorpe. 

West Earlham & Bowthorpe Neighbourhood Board
Community of WEB Pride in Place

Who can apply to join the Neighbourhood Board?


“I’m a firm believer that local people can do incredible things when they are trusted and supported to know what is best for their own neighbourhoods,” says Rebecca White, Chair of the West Earlham & Bowthorpe Neighbourhood Board. “I’ve read a few negative comments about previous investment programmes not being fit for purpose. So I want to reassure everyone that it will be people who live and work in the community who take the important decisions regarding spending. 

“Whilst it will be Board members who lead this project, everyone living and working in West Earlham & Bowthorpe will have the opportunity to vote on how the Government’s £20m investment is spent. Pride in Place really is about people having their say, so please keep visiting our website and following our Facebook page for updates.”


“We will get back to everyone who has applied to join the Board as soon as possible and will announce your Board line-up by the end of July,” says Rebecca. “In the meantime, you will start to see more opportunities to get involved and have your say, through local conversations, surveys, meetings and events.”

WEB Pride in Place Board Member
WEB Pride in Place Team

What do board members do?


As part of the West Earlham & Bowthorpe Neighbourhood Board, you will:


  • Work as a group to ensure the communities' priorities are reflected in how money is spent
  • Help create a long-term plan for your area
  • Listen to your friends, neighbours and colleagues and make sure their views are considered when making decisions
  • Help ensure Pride in Place money is spent fairly and openly
  • Bring your own ideas, experiences and perspective to benefit the wider community.

We know we’re asking a lot of people who may already be busy, so we’re looking for people who can commit to helping shape positive change in the area. You’ll need to be comfortable working with a range of different people, including your local MP, councillors and the Chair of the Board.


Requirements:


  • Around 2–4 hours per month
  • Attendance at monthly meetings during the first year while the Programme becomes established
  • Commitment of at least 3 years, up to 5 years
  • DBS checked (A criminal record will not necessarily prevent you from joining the Board)
WEB Board Member

How to apply...

There are two different ways to apply:

Below you can complete a short Expression of Interest form , or submit a short video (up to 3 minutes) telling us about yourself. If you need support, whether that’s help with completing forms, translation of information into a different language, or accessibility, we will provide it. Closing date for applications is midday 4th June.



Request materials in a format that suits you:

We want to make applying as easy and inclusive as possible so please email us if you have any particular needs that we can help with.

Expression of Interest Form:

Contact Us

Submit a short video:

This form is to be completed by people submitting Video Applications Only.

Submit Video

Contact Us

Updates

EDP and BBC Radio Norfolk in West Earlham.

By Rebecca White • May 29, 2026
The Chair of the Neighbourhood Board, Rebecca White, together with founding Board Members Clive Lewis MP and Cllr Jenny Knight, met with journalists from the EDP and BBC Radio Norfolk in West Earlham. They discussed what a fantastic opportunity the Pride in Place funding is for West Earlham & Bowthorpe, and emphasised that decisions will be made by local people for their neighbourhood. If you would like a say in how £20m of Government funding is spent, and to play a part in shaping the future of West Earlham & Bowthorpe, please apply to join the Neighbourhood Board. You don't need any previous experience as training will be provided. If you're worried about something that you think could hold you back, please let us know. We can provide lots of support. Please visit The Board page to apply and have your say.

Out and About in West Earlham & Bowthorpe

By Rebecca White • May 20, 2026
Over the past few days, we’ve been out and about across West Earlham and Bowthorpe, putting up posters and helping spread the word about the opportunity for local residents to join the new Neighbourhood Board.  It’s been a great chance to meet people, walk around the area, visit local shops, community spaces and noticeboards, and do our bit to make sure people know about the investment coming into their community. With £20 million set to support West Earlham and Bowthorpe through the Pride in Place programme, it’s so important that local voices are at the heart of the decisions being made. The Neighbourhood Board will help shape how this funding is used, and we want residents from all walks of life to feel encouraged to get involved. You don’t need previous board experience, just a connection to the area, a love for your community, and a willingness to help make a positive difference. Putting up posters might seem like a small thing, but every conversation, every noticeboard, and every person who spots the opportunity helps bring the community one step closer to having its say. We’re excited to see residents come forward, share their ideas, and help shape the future of West Earlham and Bowthorpe together.