Help us shape the future of Nelson – join our Board!

It is seeking enthusiastic individuals from all walks of life who are passionate about making Nelson an even better place to live, work and visit. 

Claire Bennett, Chair of Nelson Pride in Place Board and CEO of Positive Action in the Community, said:

“This is an opportunity to do things differently by putting local people, local knowledge and community priorities at the heart of decision-making so it delivers the greatest possible impact for Nelson.

“We want to ensure that the future of Nelson is shaped by the people who know the town best, have a genuine stake in its success and want to help ensure that future investment reflects local priorities and aspirations.”

The Board is seeking new members to represent a number of key areas:

• Business
• Residents x3, (at least one young person under 25)
• Health
• Leisure and arts

It is particularly keen to hear from people who are actively involved in their communities and can bring local insight, lived experience and professional expertise.

Claire stressed: “This is about creating a genuinely community-led approach to investment in Nelson.

“We want residents, community organisations and businesses to have a real say in determining what matters most and where resources should be focused.

“Too often, decisions are made without fully drawing on the knowledge, experience and ideas that already exist within our communities.

“We want to bring together local people and partners to influence and direct investment, so it delivers the greatest possible impact for Nelson.

“Whether you’re a young person with fresh ideas, a working professional, community volunteer, a local business owner or someone with decades of life experience, you will play an important role in ensuring the £20m has the best impact it possibly can.

“You don’t need previous Board experience – we’re looking for enthusiasm, commitment, and a desire to help create a stronger, more vibrant community.”

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to:

• help shape the future direction of the Nelson Pride in Place programme
• influence how investment is prioritised and delivered across the town
• help identify opportunities and projects that will make the greatest difference to local people
• work alongside partners from the public, private and voluntary sectors to deliver lasting change
• contribute to one of the most significant opportunities for community-led long-term regeneration in Nelson.

Saj Butt, Vice Chair of Nelson Pride in Place and owner of 3B Systems in Nelson, said: “We want the Board to reflect the diversity, strengths and ambitions of Nelson.

“By bringing together further representatives from our communities, we can ensure that local voices are at the centre of decision-making and that investment delivers lasting benefits for the people who live and work here."

For more information and details on how to apply, visit www.nelsonpip.co.uk and click on Join the Board.

Applications close on Sunday 6 September.

Notes to editors

Nelson is benefitting from £20m of investment over the next decade through the Government’s Pride in Place programme,

The funding will support initiatives that can make a positive impact in local neighbourhoods, bring people together and help deliver the ambitions identified by residents through the Nelson Pride in Place Regeneration Plan.

The Plan was shaped by extensive community engagement and reflects the priorities and aspirations of local people.