Local people who live and work in Greater Leys are being given the opportunity to help shape the future of their community, as applications are now open to join the Neighbourhood Board for the Pride in Place Programme in Greater Leys.
The Pride in Place Programme will see £20 million of funding and support given to areas across the country 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.
Members of the Greater Leys Community who are keen to get involved are being encouraged to apply today.
About the Neighbourhood Board
The Neighbourhood Board is the main decision-making organisation for the Pride in Place project, and will oversee how the £20m will be invested in the Greater Leys over the next 10 years.
The Board will be made up of 9 people who live in, or have an interest in Greater Leys including residents, community and voluntary organisations, and people from local services. The Board will also include one local councillor, the local MP, and the Chair.
The Board will be managed by Dan Wadsworth as the Independent Chair and will be responsible for making sure the community is closely involved in deciding priorities. The Board will be responsible for producing a 10-year vision which will be called the ‘Pride in Place Plan’.
This Plan will need to be agreed with the Government, in order for the funding to be received.
Who can apply?
It is important that the Board is made up of people from the local community. Applications will therefore be welcomed from anyone who:
- Lives or works in Greater Leys or has strong connections to it
- Cares about the future of Greater Leys
- Is willing to listen, work with others and contribute
- Wants to support long-term, community-led change in Greater Leys
- Is able to respect differing views and work collaboratively to reach agreement
The Board will need to bring together people with a broad mix of lived experience and skills. This could include people who live in the community or use local services, as well as those with skills in community engagement, digital work, media, finance, law, management, and delivery.
Previous board experience is not required, and support and training will be provided. People from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Drop in sessions
The Chair will be holding drop-in sessions for local people to learn more about the Neighbourhood Board and the application process. This will also be an opportunity to meet the Chair of the Neighbourhood Board:
- Wednesday 3 June at BLAP, 5.45-7.45pm
- Friday 5 June at Blackbird Leys Bowls Club, 12-2pm
- Saturday 6 June at Leys Pool & Leisure Centre, 1-3pm
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.
Applications can be made online or by hand by 5pm on Monday 15 June 2026. A copy of the application form is available online, and applications can be emailed to prideinplace@oxford.gov.uk
More information on the Pride in Place programme can be found on the Council's webpages.
Comment
“I am delighted that we are reaching the next stage of the Pride in Place Programme in Greater Leys. This is a really important moment for people in Greater Leys to have their say on what positive changes they want to see in their area now and in the future. We are looking for people to join our board with a passion for the Leys and people from a variety of different backgrounds and experience. If you are interested, or know somebody who cares about the Greater Leys, then apply today.”
Dan Wadsworth, Chair of the Greater Leys Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board
“The Pride in Place programme will put Greater Leys residents in control of £20million of investment in their community. Joining the neighbourhood board is a great way of shaping the programme and ensuring residents’ views are heard.”
Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East
“The Pride in Place programme is moving ahead. The Board members will have an important job to do making sure that this huge investment in the Leys meets the needs of the local community. This is a great opportunity for local people ready to take on the commitment, but there will also be lots of other less formal ways to get involved and have a say on how the money should be spent."
Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Oxford City Council
