Oxford residents who live or work in The Leys are being encouraged to get involved in the Pride in Place programme, by applying to become the Chair of the Neighbourhood Board.
The Pride in Place Programme will see up to £5 billion given to nearly 250 areas across the UK. Each area will receive up to £20 million of funding and support over the next 10 years to make long-term improvements that residents want.
In Oxford, Greater Leys (which includes parts of both Northfield Brook ward and Blackbird Leys ward) has been chosen by the Government for the programme.
The Chair of the Neighbourhood Board is an independent position and will provide leadership for the board and ensure the programme is community-led and embedded within the local area.
The key roles and responsibilities of the Chair are:
- Providing leadership for the board, which will be largely made up of local residents and people who work in the area. The Board will also include the local MP, at least one ward councillor, and others with a key interest in the area such as health, education, business, and community organisations
- Acting as a champion for the Greater Leys neighbourhood
- Leading extensive community consultation and engagement to ensure input from local residents, businesses, and groups helps to shape the vision and define proposed projects
- Ensuring the board is community-led and that decisions reflect community priorities and needs
- Overseeing the decision-making process for how the multi-million-pound, long-term funding is invested
- Working with the local authority to prepare and submit the final plan to the UK Government for approval
- Ensuring accountability and effective implementation of the projects once funding has been approved and allocated
The position is open to anyone who lives or works in The Leys.
The application form is available via the Council’s jobs portal, and the deadline to apply is midnight on Monday 23 March 2026.
The applicants will be assessed by an independent advisory panel, as well as a formal interview panel.
Residents would like to have an informal conversation about the role before applying, can request this by emailing prideinplace@oxford.gov.uk
Neighbourhood board expressions of interest
The Council is also looking for expressions of interest for the Neighbourhood Board.
The Neighbourhood Board for the Pride in Place programme will be made up of local residents, as well as representatives from local businesses and workplaces, faith groups, voluntary and community organisations and others with a deep connection to their area. It will also include the local MP and at least one local councillor/representative.
The Board must work with the Chair and the wider community to develop a Pride in Place Plan, setting out a vision for their area and the projects that they would like to prioritise.
Expressions of interest in joining the Neighbourhood Board can be submitted to prideinplace@oxford.gov.uk
There will also be many other less formal ways for local people to get involved and make their voice heard on the Pride in Place programme.
More information on the Pride in Place programme can be found on the Council's webpages.
Comment
“This is an exciting moment for the Pride in Place Programme as we invite people in The Leys to take on a leadership role and have a say in their local area. The Neighbourhood Board Chair position is essential to the success of this programme, and we want to ensure that we work with local residents to ensure they are involved at every step.”
Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Oxford City Council
“The Chair of the Greater Leys Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board will play a crucial part in making sure £20million is spent on local residents’ priorities. So if you’re passionate about Greater Leys and involving local people in making it better, we want to hear from you!”
Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East
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