The Pride in Place funding aims to bring together local communities to make decisions and changes to their areas.
Members of the local community can get involved by becoming a member of the Neighbourhood Board - either as a Chair, or Board Member. There will also be other less formal ways for local people to get involved and make their voice heard on the Pride in Place programme.
The latest information on how you can get involved in the Pride in Place Programme can be found below.
Expressions of interest for the Neighbourhood Board
What is the Neighbourhood Board?
The Neighbourhood Board will decide how to prioritise funding and will need to ensure extensive community engagement. It will give local leadership and oversight for the Pride in Place programme and will be managed by the Chair of the Board. The Neighbourhood 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.
The Neighbourhood Board is to be made up of people from the local community including residents, people from community and voluntary organisations, local councillors, the local MP and people from local services. It must include more residents and people who live or work in the area than elected representatives, but MHCLG does also require it to include the local MP and at least one ward councillor​.
The Board gives local people real influence as they will:
- make decisions on how funds are used
- work with residents to agree local priorities
- act as stewards of the long-term vision for the neighbourhood
The Role of Board Members
This is a voluntary role. Board members will:
- make a Plan with the wider community and set out how funds will be invested over the next 10 years
- work with the local MP and Council to show strong local engagement
- help set local priorities based on what residents say matters most
- oversee investment decisions
- monitor progress, outcomes and impact
- champion transparency, fairness and inclusion
- support collaboration between communities, partners and services
Who can apply?
Applications will be welcomed from anyone who:
- lives or works in Greater Leys or has strong connections to it (a map of the area covered can be found below)
- 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
You do not need previous board experience. Support will be provided and people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Time commitment
Time commitments and meeting schedules will be agreed once the Board is established, but below are some indications of what will be required.
Applicants will ideally be prepared to make a long-term commitment to the Board.
- start in May or June 2026
- meet every six to eight weeks
- have time for any preparation or small task groups
- attend community engagement opportunities where possible
Induction, support and training will be provided as well as some expenses.
How to apply
The application process will be agreed with the Chair once they are appointed in April. Until then please let us know if you are interested in applying by e-mailing prideinplace@oxford.gov.uk and put Neighbourhood Board in the subject line.
Please let us have your name and address and preferred contact details and we will be in touch once we know more.
Chair of the Neighbourhood Board
Applications for Chair closed on Monday 23 March 2026. We are encouraged by the number of applications, and interviews are currently taking place.
We are working closely with the MP and aim to have a decision by the end of April.
