Applications are now open to join the Chelmsley Wood Neighbourhood Board, with space for up to ten volunteers who can help to transform the local community.
The Board forms part of the Pride in Place programme, which is investing £20M in the area over the next decade.
Board members will be expected to attend meetings, prepare for discussions and take part in community engagement activities where needed, which could include evenings and weekends. These are unpaid, voluntary roles requiring at least one day of time a month. Support for childcare, IT equipment, internet access and travel is available, as well as training. The Neighbourhood Board will be working closely with the new Board Chair Neil Roberts, who was appointed at the end of May.
Leader of Solihull Council, Cllr Karen Grinsell, explained: “The Neighbourhood Board has an important role as they decide how the Pride in Place funding is used, ensuring that decisions made reflect the priorities of local residents. Applicants don’t need to have previous experience as a board member, but they must live or work in Chelmsley Wood and clearly show that they care about the community and want to help improve local lives.”
Neil added: “Chelmsley is a fantastic community and this is a once in a lifetime chance for us to shape the next 10 years of our life here to make it even better. It’s vital that the community get talking now to shape the plan. Sign up and get involved in the board or one of the working groups, so that everyone can have a say on this.”
Interested volunteers can download the recruitment pack and application form here to apply to join the Board, express an interest in getting involved with one of the working groups or sign up for regular updates. The closing date is Sunday 21 June.
In addition to the places reserved for people who live and work in Chelmsley Wood, Government guidelines require the Pride in Place Boards to also include the local MP and a ward councillor.