Last chance to apply for exciting Pride in Place Chair role
News release issued:
There are only days left to apply to become the Chair of the Pride in Place programme, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to oversee delivery of £20 million of Government investment into Kidderminster.
Over the next decade, the programme will bring investment into the Birchen Coppice Middle Super Output Area, including parts of Rifle Range, Foley Park and Silverwoods. This funding has the power to transform the area - but only if local voices lead the way.
Applications for this role close at midnight, Saturday 7 March 2026.
The independent Chair will lead the Neighbourhood Board, bringing together residents, local businesses, community leaders and organisations to co-produce the Pride in Place Plan. The board will decide how funding is spent to improve the physical and social infrastructure of the community.
Wyre Forest District Council is looking for someone who cares deeply about community and wants to make a real, lasting difference. If that sounds like you - or someone you know - this is a rare chance to help improve life there for residents for generations to come.
Councillor Dan Morehead, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and the Green Agenda, said:
"Opportunities like this are rare and offer the chance to leave a real, lasting legacy within the local community. The £20 million Pride in Place funding is fantastic news for this area, and now we need the right people to help make it count. We're looking for a Chair who really understands what this community needs and sees the potential it holds. Above all, they need to be an outstanding leader. If you think you have what it takes, we'd love to hear from you."
The Chair cannot be an elected representative. Although this is a voluntary role, much like being a school governor or charity trustee, an annual honorarium of £10,000 per year is available. This helps recognise the time and responsibility involved and makes the role accessible to people who might not otherwise be able to apply. This payment is not a salary.
If you’d like to apply, make sure you do so before it is too late! Send your CV (maximum two pages) and a cover note outlining your motivation, links to the area, and relevant skills and experience (maximum three pages) to: jessica.thompson@wyreforestdc.gov.uk
The deadline for applications is midnight, Saturday 7 March 2026. Interviews will take place on Tuesday 31 March 2026.
For the full role specification, visit the Pride in Place Programme page on our website.
Learn more about the programme by watching the Council's video on YouTube, which covers the programme details and the Chair's requirements. Click play on the video below.
Councillor Marcus Hart, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council, speaking:
I'm delighted to say that Wyre Forest District Council has received £20 million called Pride in Place funding from central Government to be spent over a 10-year period. This is a great opportunity to bring communities and residents across the Silverwoods estate, Birchen Coppice, Rifle Range, Oldington and Foley Park together. We're looking for an independent Chair who will lead this project to work with the member of parliament, the local authority - Wyre Forest District Council and Worcestershire County Council, local councillors and importantly you, the residents at the heart of the community to shape your lives and the lives of our children for a generation.
Mark Garnier OBE, Member of Parliament for Wyre Forest, speaking:
We want a really dynamic chair who can come along and who understands the needs of this community, who understands where the opportunity lies, but most importantly, that person needs to provide excellent leadership for the team that is going to be delivering this £20 million investment over the coming 10 years.
Councillor Dan Morehead, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, speaking:
We're really looking for an individual who has the skills and experience within governance, strategic leadership, and of course, navigating complex issues and partnerships.
Cat Lewis, Principal of Kidderminster College, speaking:
This project provides an incredible opportunity for a really committed and exceptional individual to step up. This individual will be passionate about the area and will be able to readily pull together supportive coalitions of business people, civic leaders, community representatives, and local residents to make amazing things happen.
Councillor Marcus Hart, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council, speaking:
It isn't just about buildings, this really is about tackling health inequalities, social deprivation, social isolation, antisocial behaviour, education outputs, all of those things can be addressed with this funding and that will be the job of the Chair and the board moving forward.
Councillor Dan Morehead, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, speaking:
This is a once in a generation opportunity for you to make a lasting difference and create a real legacy within Birchen and Coppice.
Mark Garnier OBE, Member of Parliament for Wyre Forest, speaking:
So, if you're that person, we want to hear from you.