We are now recruiting a Neighbourhood Board for the St Helens Town Centre East & Fingerpost area.
Neighbourhood Boards give communities real power to decide how funding is used and how their area evolves. Each Neighbourhood Board brings together people with strong local knowledge, credibility and commitment including residents, businesses, community leaders, faith representatives and cultural partners to ensure decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of the people who live and work locally.
The programme is built around three core aims:
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To build stronger communities “All places should have strong relationships and a collective sense of belonging to their community. This helps bring people together to build community cohesion and resilience, helping people to feel proud of their area and safe in their neighbourhood.”
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To create thriving places “Every part of the UK deserves to have vibrant neighbourhoods and communities with busy high streets, a good range of local amenities and high-quality physical infrastructure.”
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To empower people to take back control “Everybody should be empowered and in control of their lives and have a say over the future of their community.”
The Neighbourhood Board provides strategic leadership, oversight and decision making, not operational delivery. Board members help set priorities, guide the development of the Pride in Place Plan, and work with the Council and partners to ensure investment delivers meaningful, longterm benefits for the Town Centre East and Fingerpost area.
Once established, the Neighbourhood Board will oversee the delivery of the Pride in Place Plan and will be responsible to:
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Set the strategic direction and identify priorities for the Pride in Place Plan, agreeing how the community will be actively engaged.
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Work with the Council to develop the Pride in Plan and align partner agencies, assets and funding to deliver for the community.
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Produce a 10year Pride in Place Plan, working with the local MP and local authority, setting out the activity that will be pursued to achieve the three strategic objectives of the programme.
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Explore opportunities to use specific powers (such as neighbourhood planning) to drive forward the Pride in Place Plan.
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Identify additional investment including philanthropic, private or social investment to support longterm change.
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Oversee delivery of projects within the Pride in Place Plan.
As the recipient of the funding, the Council will be the Accountable Body and use its governance (including Section 151 Officer duties) to ensure appropriate use of public money.
To reflect the community we serve, we are seeking a broad mix of skills, experience and perspectives. You do not need previous Board experience what matters most is your commitment to the area and your ability to contribute constructively to the Pride in Place Plan.
Applicants must live and/or work in the Town Centre East and Fingerpost boundary (please see the map attached). You must bring insight, credibility and a genuine desire to help shape the future of their neighbourhood.
We are recruiting for the following roles:
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Business representatives (up to 3)
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Community representatives (2)
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Faith representatives (up to 2)
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Third sector representative including sports clubs (1)
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Culture, arts or heritage representative (1)
These roles are voluntary but offer a powerful opportunity to influence investment, shape regeneration priorities and support longterm communityled change.
When selecting new members, the Chair and MP for St Helens South and Whiston will consider applicants who demonstrate the following:
- A clear passion and commitment to the future of St Helens
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A track record of contributing to local community or economic life
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The commitment to work collaboratively and follow the Neighbourhood Board’s Terms of Reference, Nolan Principles and Code of Conduct
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Credibility and respect within the community
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Capacity and commitment to attend meetings, as detailed in the Terms of Reference and engage regularly
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That they do not occupy a current political position
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Relevant expertise in the specialism you are applying for
We are looking for individuals who can think strategically, work constructively with others, and bring insight that strengthens the Neighbourhood Board’s ability to represent our wonderful community effectively.
To strengthen the Neighbourhood Board’s skill and capacity and to support the overall successful delivery of the Pride in Place Plan, the Board must have a diverse range of skills and experiences which include (list not exhaustive):
- Project Management;
- Youth Engagement;
- Community Engagement;
- Third Sector Engagement;
- Risk Management;
- Contracts and Procurement;
- Legal Knowledge;
- Heritage and Conservation;
- Construction;
- Governance;
- Budget Management;
- Strategic Thinking;
- Consultation and Engagement;
The position of Neighbourhood Board member is voluntary, with a commitment to attend and positively engage in the Board meetings. Neighbourhood Board members are required to endeavour to attend all Full Board Meetings (with an absolute minimum of 50% of the scheduled meetings each year). Full Board meetings are initially expected to be bi-monthly, with quarterly meetings once an Investment Plan is agreed. Additional sub-group meetings will be held as required.
The advertised Board positions will be in post for a period of 12 months initially, with an option for extension with agreement of the Neighbourhood Board.
