It could be you! Chair needed for £20 million Pride in Place programme in Whitehawk
A community focused leader is being sought to help drive forward the Pride in Place programme, which will bring £20 million of long-term government investment into Whitehawk over the next decade.
The funding will support residents living in the Whitehawk area, creating a major opportunity to improve local places, strengthen community assets and support neighbourhood change.
The independent chair will lead the new Whitehawk Neighbourhood Board, working with residents, local organisations, community leaders and businesses to co‑produce the Pride in Place Plan.
Together, the board will shape priorities and decide how the funding should be used to improve both the physical environment and the social infrastructure of the community.
Brighton & Hove City Council and Chris Ward MP are looking for someone who can bring people together, encourage open discussion and help the community explore ideas collaboratively. This is a voluntary role, and the chair must be independent and not an elected representative.
The ideal candidate will be a champion for the area, someone with a deep connection to Whitehawk or similar communities. They do not need previous leadership experience - what matters most is a passion for making a difference and a commitment to supporting positive change.
A new £20 million investment is coming to Whitehawk through Pride in Place, and local people will be central to deciding how that money is spent. This marks a hugely positive commitment from government, offering a long-term opportunity to strengthen the neighbourhood and support the ambitions of residents.
Commitment to support change
Chris Ward, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, said: “Being awarded £20 million through Pride in Place is fantastic news for Whitehawk. We want a chair who understands the strengths of this community and can help guide the programme with fairness, openness and strong leadership. If you have the commitment and passion to support change, we’d love to hear from you.”
Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “Whitehawk is a special place and this new funding from the government provides an exciting opportunity to improve local services and opportunities.
"This time we are doing things differently and the new Whitehawk Neighbourhood Board, made up of local residents, will guide the decision-making for how this money is spent.
“The independent chair will play a vital role in bringing the community together, listening to local priorities and helping shape a shared vision for the future.
"This funding has huge potential to make a lasting and positive difference, and we’re looking for someone who cares deeply about the area to help lead the way.”
How to apply
To apply for the role, applicants should submit a CV of no more than 2 pages, along with a covering letter of up to 3 pages outlining their motivation for applying, their connection to Whitehawk or similar communities, and how their experience and skills are relevant to the position.
Applications should be sent by email to prideinplace@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday 15 March 2026, with interviews scheduled for early April.
Full details of the role and the application process can be found on our Pride in Place webpage.