Chair Sought for New Pride in Place Scheme
We are looking for someone local, community-minded and passionate about making Bridgwater South an even better place to live. If you care about your community and want to help bring people together, you could be the person we need.
About Pride in Place
Pride in Place is a 10-year national programme that puts residents at the heart of local decisions. Bridgwater South will receive up to £20 million over the next decade to support projects that matter to the community.
As Chair, you will work with:
- Local residents
- Community and voluntary groups
- Local businesses
- Town councillors, the local MP, and Somerset Council
Together, the Neighbourhood Board will make sure investments reflect local priorities and deliver long-lasting benefits.
About the role
As the Independent Chair of the new Neighbourhood Board, you will help guide the Pride in Place Programme in Bridgwater South. This does not mean you need years of formal board experience. What matters most is that you can listen, encourage conversation, and help residents share their ideas confidently.
Your role will be to:
- Bring people together from all parts of the community
- Support open, respectful and honest discussions
- Help make sure local residents shape decisions about their area
- Keep the programme focused on what really matters to the community
- Help guide Pride in Place programme development and delivery
Who we are looking for
You don’t need to be an expert, just someone who truly cares about Bridgwater South. We welcome people with experience of community groups, volunteering, or just being actively involved in local life.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Experience working with different organisations or community groups
- Experience chairing meetings or leading conversations
- Lives or works in the Bridgwater South area
Most importantly, we are looking for someone who:
- Is passionate about Bridgwater South and community development
- Wants to help create positive change for local people
- Can bring a wide range of voices together
- Is creative, open-minded and proactive
- Believes in decisions being led by the community, not made for them
How to Apply
To express your interest, please submit a short statement outlining:
- Why you want the role (250 words maximum)
- What skills and experience would you bring to the role (250 words maximum)
- Your connection to the community of Bridgwater South area (250 words maximum)
- How you would make sure that all voices and opinions are heard during the Pride in Place programme (250 words maximum)
Please include contact details for two references.
You may also submit a video application instead of a statement (10 minutes maximum)
Please submit expressions of interest to Prideinplace@Somerset.gov.uk
Closing date
Expressions of interest submission deadline: 15 April 2026
If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to meet for a wider discussion about the area and the Pride in Place programme. A final decision will be made after this meeting.
For further information on the Pride in Place programme please visit the GOV.UK website.
