Pride in Place

Pride in Place is a long-term government programme that gives local areas more say over how their neighbourhoods grow and improve. 

In Brent, St Raphael’s and Harlesden have both been selected by the UK government for funding. These areas have been chosen based on a number of measures relating to local need, deprivation, opportunity and residents’ satisfaction with their place.

Each area is set to receive up to £20 million over 10 years. This funding is an opportunity to support lasting improvements that reflect what local people want and need.

The boundaries for each area are shown here:

The funding could be used to support local priorities such as: 

• improving high streets and public spaces
• housing and neighbourhood improvements
• jobs, skills and opportunities
• health and wellbeing
• safer streets and public safety
• transport and access
• activities that bring people together
• better opportunities for children and young people.

This programme is designed to be shaped by local people, so decisions are guided by those who know the area best. 

We are welcoming ideas from residents on how the funding could be spent in both St Raphael’s in Harlesden. If you have ideas about how you could transform your local area, please share them with us!

To help guide this work, a Neighbourhood Board will be set up in both St Raphael’s and Harlesden. These boards will shape a 10-year vision for each area and an initial 4-year investment plan. This means helping decide what matters most locally and how funding should be used.

Why join a board? 

This is a chance to:

• have a real say in the future of your area
• help make sure local voices are heard
• shape priorities for investment and improvement
• work with others who care about the community
• support positive change over the long term.

Who can apply?

We want the boards to include a wide range of people and perspectives. 

You may want to apply if you are a:

• a Harlesden or St Raphael’s resident, or anyone passionate about the area
• member of a community group
• volunteer
• local business owner
• voluntary, community or faith organisation
• person with strong knowledge of the local area.

You do not need previous board experience. What matters most is that you care about the area, want to make a positive difference, and are willing to work with others. Support will be provided to Neighbourhood Board Chairs to ensure that all members are well prepared for board membership.

Boards will include a mix of local residents, community organisations, businesses and elected representatives. At least 51% of members must live or work in the neighbourhood, and each board must have a minimum of eight members. 

What board members will do

Board members will help to: 

• listen to what matters to local people
• shape a shared vision for the area
• help decide local priorities
• support open and fair decision-making
• make sure funding reflects community needs and ambitions.

Final decisions about board membership will be made by the Independent Chairs. Each board must have a minimum of eight members, including the local MP and at least one ward councillor. 

The Neighbourhood Board Chair will be responsible for appointing board members, and this must be approved by both the Local Authority and local MP.

We are also recruiting a Chair for each Neighbourhood Board in St Raphael’s and Harlesden. 

This is an incredibly important role, with an annual payment of £5,000 to recognise the time and contributions involved. The chair will help bring people together, guide discussions, and support the board to work well and make fair, informed decisions. As part of the £20 million funding, chairs will have access to a budget to support programme set-up, operating costs, staffing and systems.

The role is flexible and usually takes around 10 to 12 hours a month. Chairing board meetings is an important part of the role. 

What the Chair will do

The Independent Chair will help to: 

• build a board that includes a range of local voices and experiences
• lead respectful and constructive discussions
• help manage different views and opinions fairly
• keep the board focused on what matters most to local people
• champion the area and support the community-led aims of the programme
• help make sure decisions reflect the priorities of people who live and work locally.

View full details in the role description.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for people who:

• have a strong connection to the area
• can bring people together
• listen well and communicate clearly
• can stay calm and fair when discussions are difficult
• care about the future of the neighbourhood.

You may already be active in the community, or you may have experience leading groups, meetings or local conversations. Experience in governance or community leadership would be helpful, but it is not the only thing we are looking for.

Enthusiasm, integrity and a genuine commitment to the area are essential.

Please note that unsuccessful candidates to Independent Chair positions will automatically be considered for roles as part of Neighbourhood Boards.

The information you provide in your expression of interest form, will only be used for the shortlisting and selection process for the Pride in Place programme.

By submitting a form, you agree that Brent Council can use your personal information where needed to manage the selection process and meet its responsibilities linked to the Pride in Place funding.

Your information will not be used for any other purpose and will be handled in line with the Data Protection Act 2018.