Neighbourhood Board Chair
Purpose of the role
To deliver the Hereford South West Pride in Place Programme, leading the recruitment and operation of the Neighbourhood Board for the benefit of Newton Farm and Hunderton. The independent Chair will be someone who can bring communities together to share their ideas in an open and collaborative way. The Chair's primary job is to be a champion for their place and to embody the community-led spirit of the programme. The Chair should have a deep connection to their area and can be new to this kind of work. What matters most is a commitment to seeing change through and improving the lives of those in their community.
What makes a great Chair?
The independent Chair is best when they act as a proactive, trustworthy convenor who:
- Is deeply connected to their community and fiercely committed to making it an even better place to live
- Can bring together different voices from across their community, to shape a collective vision for the future of their place
- Has local credibility and will be respected as a leader – even if this is their first leadership role
- Ensures that all voices are heard and that Board discussions are collaborative.
- Is adept at finding consensus, navigating conflict calmly and impartially, never allowing ego to get in the way of progress
- Brings together community groups and prioritises community engagement as a central pillar of the programme
- Is clear about their own knowledge gaps and considers how the makeup of the Board complements this
- Thinks laterally and creatively about solutions to problems and ways to draw in community voices
- Acts as a public face and represents the Board externally, and brings figures of different political stripes together
The Chair should not be:
- A gatekeeper or clique-builder; the Board should have a range of voices, including ones that differ from the Chair's
- Seeking to push personal agendas – this is about what the community wants
- The only decision-maker or expert in the room
- The day-to-day delivery lead: this is a strategic post
Duration
The Chair will initially be appointed for a 2 year term, renewable there after by mutual consent.
Skills and attributes of a good Chair
- Fair and balanced, ensuring that all voices are heard
- Good at facilitating conversations, particularly when differences of opinion emerge
- Open to learning, feedback and development, and an interest in mentoring and upskilling others
- Welcoming, open and listens deeply to others
- Calm under pressure and manages conflict well
- Has time to prioritise the role
Expenses
The role will be voluntary, similar to that of a school governor or charity trustee, The successful candidate will be able to claim all reasonable expenses.
How to Apply
If you think that this role might be for you, then please complete the Expression of Interest Form (no more than one side of A4) setting out why you are interested in the role, your relevant experience, and how you feel you can meet the requirements.
Click the Expression of interest form link below to download the form, please attach this form along with your CV.
Expression of Interest form
Key Timescales
- Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 15th March
- Shortlisting is excepted to be completed by: 20th March
- Interviews will be held on: 27th March
Selection Criteria
The core criteria that will be considered in the shortlisting and interview process will be:
- Currently or previously live or work in the Pride in Place area (strongly connected to the area)
- Demonstration of commitment to supporting the transformation of the Pride in Place area
- Experience of bringing together different partners to create a shared vision and deliver a programme of activity
- Are committed to a community led approach to identifying priorities and implementing change
- Experience of being a community leader