Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board Independent Member: Farnley East 

Role description

Purpose of the role

To deliver the Pride in Place Programme in Farnley East, Neighbourhood Boards are being set up in every funded neighbourhood across the country.  

Each Board will be led by an independent Chair – someone who can bring communities together to share their ideas in an open and collaborative way.  

We are looking for a board member who: 

  • Is deeply connected to their community and fiercely committed to making it an even better place to live

  • Ensures that all voices are heard and that Board discussions are collaborative

  • Is adept at finding consensus, navigating conflict calmly and impartially, never allowing ego to get in the way of progress

  • Brings together community groups and prioritises community engagement as a central pillar of the programme

  • Is clear about their own knowledge gaps and considers how the makeup of the Board complements this

  • Is supportive of the Chair, and committed to being an advocate of this Pride in Place programme at a local level

The Independent Board Member should not be: 

  • A gatekeeper or clique-builder; the Board should have a range of voices, including ones that differ from the Chair’s

  • Seeking to push personal agendas – this is about what the community wants

  • The only decision-maker or expert in the room

  • The day-to-day delivery lead: this is a strategic post

  • An elected representative

Skills and attributes of a good board member: 

  • Open to learning, feedback and development, and an interest in mentoring and upskilling others

  • Welcoming, open and listens deeply to others

  • Calm under pressure and manages conflict well

  • Able to demonstrate a genuine commitment to the local community, understanding its history, identity, and long‑term aspirations

  • Has an understanding of the need to work collaboratively and at pace

  • Has a clear focus on the job in hand and will get things done

  • Able to display the drive and ambition for the benefit of the local community

  • Has a track record of partnership working

  • Able to demonstrate confidentiality, respect and trust

Time Commitment and Support

The role will typically involve attending Neighbourhood Board meetings, preparation time, and additional engagement activities where required. It is anticipated that there will be a time commitment of at least 2 days a month. It is likely that the first six months of the programme will require more intensive commitment as the Board is established and community engagement commences. In the early stages of the programme the Chair will also need to commit time to liaise with the local MP to support the establishment of the Board and development of a local Pride in Place plan.

This is an unpaid voluntary role.

How to apply

If you think that this role might be for you, please submit your Expression of Interest setting out in no more than 500 words:

  • How you are connected to the geographical area and community in which you would like to be a board member

  • How your skills, attributes and experience will contribute to being a board member.

Send your Expression of Interest by email to: PrideinPlace.Farnley@Leeds.gov.uk