Daniel Wadsworth has been named as the Independent Chair of the new Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board for Greater Leys.
The appointment marks the next stage in the delivery of the government-funded Pride in Place investment, a 10-year initiative designed to support the local community.
Mr Wadsworth has lived in Oxford for 30 years, and moved to the Greater Leys area in 2015. He brings extensive experience to the role through his position as Director of Jessop and Cook Architects, combined with a strong record of community engagement. He has served as a parish councillor for Blackbird Leys and has chaired several organisations, including the Parasol Project an inclusive children's and young persons charity and is currently serving as chair of The Leys CDI.
As Independent Chair, Mr Wadsworth will lead the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board in developing a long-term vision and investment plan for the area. This 10-year strategy must be agreed by central government to secure the phased funding. He will also ensure that the programme is community-led and embedded within the local area.
The recruitment process
The recruitment included a comprehensive engagement programme, encouraging applications from across the whole community, in accordance with Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) guidance.
Interviews were carried out by a selection panel consisting of:
- Anneliese Dodds MP
- Councillor Linda Smith from Oxford City Council
- Locality Manager for the Leys from Oxford City Council
Oxford City Council provided oversight of the process to ensure independence. Additionally, a community advisory panel was created with representatives from local community groups, young people and members of the Tenant Involvement Panel to help inform the recruitment process and Chair selection.
Next steps
The Chair will now begin recruitment for the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board. The board will be made up primarily of the local community including residents, community members, voluntary organisations, and must include at least one local councillor and the local MP.
Those interested in being involved in the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board are being invited to express their interest at the Council’s Pride in Place webpage.
Comment
Daniel Wadsworth, said: “This is a once in a generation chance to make a huge difference to the Leys. It’s a chance for people to come together and have their say on what they feel is needed and what they'd like to have in the future. I'm very honoured to be playing a part in this and look forward to working with everyone to make this happen.”
Anneliese Dodds, MP and member of the selection panel, said: “The Pride in Place programme gives local residents control over a pot of £20 million to spend on their priorities, in their area, over the next ten years. As the Chair of this programme we needed a Greater Leys resident who was in touch with and committed to the local community. Our open and thorough recruitment process has found exactly such a person - Dan Wadsworth. I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved and look forward to the next stages of the programme and what it can achieve”.
Councillor Linda Smith, member of the selection panel: “Dan Wadsworth is a local resident of Greater Leys with a track record of commitment and involvement in the local community as well as the necessary skills to lead this major programme of investment in Greater Leys. I’m looking forward to seeing how he delivers real improvements and benefits for local people.”
