Pride in Place - Call For independent Neighbourhood Board Chairs

Ever walked around your local area and had a brilliant idea about how to make it better? Maybe a thought about a new park, a community project, or just a way to bring people together. Well, for some people in Hull, that's no longer just a daydream.

A massive opportunity has just landed, giving local people the power and the money to genuinely transform their own communities. Hull City Council has kicked off a search for passionate residents to lead a huge new project, and it could be a complete game-changer for several neighbourhoods in the city.

What’s this all about then?

On 27 January 2026, Hull City Council announced a call-out for people to get involved in something called the Pride in Place Strategy. This isn't just another small project; it's a huge, 10-year government initiative with some serious cash behind it. The whole point is to shift power away from the town hall and put it directly into the hands of local people. Three specific neighbourhoods are set to benefit first: Orchard Park, Boulevard and St Andrew’s Quay, and Greatfield. Each of these areas is getting a dedicated funding pot of £2 million per year. That's a massive long-term investment designed to spark real, lasting regeneration from the ground up. This funding gives residents the tools they need to build stronger, more vibrant local communities.

Imagine what that kind of consistent investment could do over a decade. It’s enough to create ambitious local plans that go way beyond a lick of paint. This could mean new facilities, better public spaces, or support for local businesses – whatever the residents decide is a priority. This is about making a positive difference that will be felt for years to come. The council is serious about this investment, seeing it as a key part of its wider city regeneration schemes. The plan is to empower local communities to take control of their own future, supported by significant long-term funding from this government initiative.

So who are they looking for?

To make sure this all works, each of the three areas will have its own ‘Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board’. Think of it as a steering group for the community, made up of local people who know the area inside and out. And every successful team needs a captain. That's why the council has launched an open recruitment process to find three independent chairs to lead these new boards. The search is on for respected, community-minded individuals who can champion their neighbourhood. They don't have to be a big-shot CEO or a local politician. In fact, it's better if they're not. They just need to be someone who lives, works, or has a strong personal connection to Orchard Park, Boulevard, or Greatfield.

Starting from April 2026, these chairs will have a really important job. They'll be the person who makes sure the voices of all residents are heard and that their ideas guide the board's decisions. It's a role that requires good leadership skills and a genuine commitment to making a positive difference. The key responsibilities will include:

• Championing the neighbourhood and its potential.

• Ensuring the board focuses on the priorities of local people.

• Helping to develop ambitious local plans for regeneration and investment.

• Making sure the process is fair, open, and involves the whole community.

This isn't about one person calling all the shots. It's about finding someone who can bring people together, listen to different opinions, and help the community build a shared vision for its future. The council, along with local MPs, is dedicated to making sure this recruitment process finds the right people to help their neighbourhoods thrive.

What's the bigger picture for Hull?

This Pride in Place funding isn't happening in a vacuum. It’s designed to fit alongside other big regeneration schemes happening across Hull. The investment is seen as a fantastic way to boost the great work already being done by the Hull City Council to improve the city. It’s a recognition that for regeneration to truly work, it has to involve the people who live there every day. The residents of these neighbourhoods are the real experts on what their communities need.

Chris Jackson, the executive director of regeneration and partnerships at the council, made it clear how welcome this opportunity is. He said: “The council welcomes the Pride in Place investment in Hull. We look forward to appointing chairs to support their local communities through this funding to maximise the benefit for these three neighbourhoods, complementing other significant council regeneration schemes across the city.”

This statement shows the commitment from the top. The council sees these independent chairs and the new board members as vital partners in the city's journey. It’s a chance for local people to shape not just their street, but the direction of their entire neighbourhood, creating a legacy of positive change and showing how powerful community-led investment can be.

How to get stuck in

For anyone living in Greatfield, Boulevard, or Orchard Park who feels a spark of excitement reading this, now is the time to act. The first stage of this recruitment process is to find the independent chairs for the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Boards. The council is making all the details about the role and how to apply available online and through local channels. This initial phase will run until the end of February, so there's a window of opportunity for interested residents to put their names forward. The selection process is designed to be completely open and transparent, giving everyone a fair shot.

After the chairs are in place, the next step will be the recruitment of further board members. This will be tailored to the specific needs and character of each of the individual neighbourhoods, ensuring the boards are truly representative of the communities they serve. It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone with passion and leadership skills to get involved in a government initiative that promises real, tangible investment and regeneration. This is about putting power into the hands of local people to make a real positive difference in their communities.