Pride In Place Independent Co-Chair

Leicester City Council has been selected as part of the second round of the Government's Pride in Place Programme (PiPP), a community-led initiative focused on improving outcomes and opportunity in neighbourhoods. As part of this programme, Neighbourhood Boards are being established in three areas of Leicester: Braunstone West (Leicester West), Thurnby Lodge & Netherhall (Leicester East), and Eyres Monsell (Leicester South).

In Thurnby Lodge & Netherhall two independent co-Chairs will lead the Board. We're currently looking for a co-Chair who is passionate about the local area, committed to bringing people and communities together, and those who have the skills and capabilities to create belonging, shape positive change, and direct the activity of the Neighbourhood Boards. If you think you have what it takes to work effectively as an Independent co-Chair in this Pride in Place area, we'd welcome your application, including an expression of interest outlining what makes you suitable for the role.

About the role

The Independent co-Chair will work collaboratively as part of a co-Chairing arrangement to lead the Neighbourhood Board in Thurnby Lodge & Netherhall. This is a strategic, community-focused leadership role, acting as champions for the place and supporting the Board to develop a shared vision and priorities for the neighbourhood.

You'll have the ability to work with your co-Chair to bring people together in an open, inclusive and collaborative way, to act in such a way that all voices in the community are heard, and you'll support constructive discussion, consensus-building and efforts to put in place and maintain good governance arrangements.

You'll also represent the Neighbourhood Board externally, with the co-Chair, working constructively across sectors and political perspectives. You won't need to have held a formal leadership role before, but that might help. What matters most is local credibility, commitment to your community, and the ability to convene and listen.

Who we are looking for

We are particularly keen to hear from people who:

• Have a strong connection to Thurnby Lodge & Netherhall and a desire to see it thrive
• Are trusted and respected within their community
• Can bring together people with different views and lived experiences
• Are fair, balanced and able to manage discussion calmly and impartially
• Value community engagement and participation
• Are open to learning, reflection and working alongside others
• Have sufficient time to prioritise the role

What you'll be responsible for

Working as part of a co-Chairing arrangement you will:

• Lead and co-chair the Neighbourhood Board, ensuring effective governance and collaboration.
• Recruit to a diverse range of representatives who will form the Neighbourhood Board, with majority representation from local residents.
• Organise meaningful community engagement activities to help understand and evidence local needs, such as forums, workshops, surveys, and listening campaigns.
• Champion inclusivity, ensuring underrepresented and seldom heard voices are included in decision-making.
• Work with the co-Chair, Council and local MP to approve Board membership and Neighbourhood Plans.
• Oversee the development of the Pride in Place Plan, setting out the community's long-term vision.

Time commitment and remuneration

This role would suit someone who enjoys facilitating conversations, building relationships and supporting others to shape decisions - whether or not this is your first formal leadership position. It is expected to be a largely voluntary role, similar to that of a school governor or charity trustee. Modest expenses are payable.

How to apply

To be considered for the role of Independent co-Chair for Thurnby Lodge & Netherhall, please apply online, ensuring that you upload a separate document containing your expression of interest, outlining:

• Your connection to the Thurnby Lodge & Netherhall
• Why you are interested in the role
• Why you think you are well suited
• What skills, capabilities and experiences you would bring to the role that are relevant to the requirements as described above and outlined in the role description that accompanies this advert.

Please note, applications without an expression of interest document may not be considered.

For more information about the role or an informal chat, please reach out to Andrew Shilliam, Director of Corporate Services by email - andrew.shilliam@leicster.gov.uk.