Our neighbourhoods matter. That’s why Pride in Place needs a model of local decision-making in West Earlham & Bowthorpe that demonstrates trust in communities to build a fairer place for all to live - today and tomorrow.
Over the next 10 years, up to £20 million will be invested in West Earlham and Bowthorpe through the Pride in Place programme. This investment is about creating the changes local people want. The most effective way to deliver meaningful investment is for change to be led and owned by residents themselves.
About You
Before detailing the Board and how it works, it’s important you know three things:
- You don’t need previous board experience.
- Support and training to be able to contribute on a board will be provided and is funded.
- Support to overcome any barriers you might experience to getting involved is embedded by default and we invite you to tell us what support you need. There is more detail on this below.
About the Board
The Neighbourhood Board brings local people together to decide how investment is used and make sure the programme reflects what matters most to people living in the area. It will initially be called the ‘West Earlham & Bowthorpe Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board’. The Board may wish to agree an alternative name once it is established.
Residents will form the majority of the Board and play the leading role throughout. Making decisions at every stage – from identifying local funding priorities to agreeing and distributing investment. You don’t need previous board experience. What matters most is a strong connection to the area and a commitment to making it an even better place to live.
Nothing will be solved if government continues to do things for people, rather than with
people.
Who the role is for
We want the Board to reflect the community. Members may be:
● Residents or long-term neighbours
● Parents, carers, workers, volunteers, retirees and young people
● People from local businesses, schools, faith groups or community organisations
Your experience is what will make the board effective and is just as valuable as professional and technical skills.
The Board will comprise between 8 and 15 members, predominantly residents who live or work in the area, supported by key partners.
Mandatory members of the board include the MP for Norwich South (Clive Lewis) , a Ward Councillor and the Chair.
Beyond that you can read in the accompanying document (full link below) the government requirements for the Board.
Later on, wider Citizen Councils will support the Board and feed directly into its decision-making.
The board makes the final decisions on what the money is spent on together in agreement with Norwich City Council. The Council will work with the Board to ensure the money is spent transparently, according to resident priorities and for the whole community as well as in accordance with the requirements of the Pride in Place programme.
What Board Members do
As a Board Member, you will:
● Lead the long-term vision and priorities for the area
● Ensure the board provides inclusive opportunities to listen to local people and bring their views into decisions
● Have your own role in listening to the local community
● Take part in discussions and work with the whole community to agree funding decisions
● Help ensure money is spent fairly, openly and for community benefit
● Treat others with respect and follow a simple Code of Conduct
● Contribute to the development of a Charter for working principles
● Declare any conflicts of interest and step back where needed
● Shape, support and/or take part in meaningful community participation
● Be open to learn and to receive feedback on your role
● Lend expert advice, insight, guidance and be a critical friend in Board discussions.
● Be accountable for asking for the support you need to fully contribute
● Support other board members with curiosity, empathy and compassion
Support and Commitment
We know we’re asking a lot of people who may already be busy.
It is anticipated that members attend monthly meetings in the first year and until the Programme is fully established.
Exact frequency to be determined by the Board and the Chair going forward.
We will work with all board members to understand when it’s best to hold meetings.
We aim to hold meetings at times that work for people facing the most barriers to getting involved.
This may be evenings and weekends, whilst recognising that irregular work patterns mean that varying times of day, evening or weekends may be the best option.
We will work with you to understand with compassion and confidentiality, any barriers to getting involved and work with you to support your attendance - see list of ‘reasonable’ expenses below.
We understand that ‘life happens’ and invite openness if you have to miss meetings or things change that affect your ability to commit time.
We will provide support and explore how you can be better supported if the commitment is getting difficult. If the best decision is to stand down we will arrive at this conclusion together.
We expect the commitment to be:
● Around 2–4 hours per month TBC
● Ideally a commitment of at least 3 years, up to 5 years TBC
Other expectations
● Reasonable expenses will be covered (see below)
● A DBS check will be required due to safeguarding responsibilities as there is an expectation about getting involved in community engagement. We believe in second chances and the value of diverse perspectives. While this role does require a DBS check, we want to be clear: your past does not define your future here. A criminal record will not necessarily prevent you from joining the Board; we focus on your skills, your potential, and the person you are today - please talk to us in advance and in confidence if you think your DBS may have convictions on it.
Support available
● Board membership training including governance, curiosity, risk, good scrutiny - all with the aim of building confidence and skills
Reasonable expenses
● Transport including vehicle/bicycle mileage, taxis, public transport and parking as well as travel costs for a support worker
● Childcare costs including professional child carers, costs for professional care (caring for adults)
● Support with digital assistance, paperwork printing and particular software related to learning styles or security
How to apply
● If you want any of the paperwork printed, translated, read aloud or re-formatted, please get in touch with emmapenfold@norwich.gov.uk
● You will be invited to fill in an Expression of Interest (EOI) Form. If you would like this sent to you with a return envelope, please let us know.
● You can also apply by sending a short video (no more than three minutes, outlining who you are, your connection and involvement to the area, why you would like to be involved and what you bring to the board. This should be uploaded when you complete a short personal details form and named as follows - PIPWE&Byourinitials.
● Following shortlisting (see criteria below), you will be invited to an informal conversation - online or face-to-face with either the Chair or MP
● Any areas or questions we plan to cover in the informal conversation will be sent to you in advance.
● The Chair of the Board leads on the recruitment, supported by the MP and Norwich City Council in making decisions
Shortlisting criteria
● Your connection to and passion for the area - you live or have deep roots in the area
● Your community connection and contribution - you play an active part in community life
● Your values align with those of the programme - inclusion and collaboration
● Your passion and curiosity for community-led decision-making
● Your ability to be objective and involve people in the ten-year vision
● Your curiosity to learn
● And any other technical skills (e.g. finance, legal, governance, strategy etc)
Again, we are not looking for professional board members. We are looking for people with the passion, values and commitment to support the programme and each other in their local neighbourhood.
We value you for who you are and not your education or experience.
