It has been confirmed today that Joanna McNicholas has been appointed as the independent Chair for Redbridge & Millbrook West Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board.
Applications have also opened for local people to apply to be members of the Neighbourhood Board.
The Pride in Place programme is a ten-year initiative focused on supporting communities to shape priorities for investment and improvement in their neighbourhoods. With £20 million to spend over the ten-year period, the Neighbourhood Board in Redbridge will be established to provide resident‑led investment decisions based on a co‑produced Pride in Place Plan for each area.
Neighbourhood Boards will bring together residents, businesses, grassroots organisations, community and faith groups, alongside local public sector partners, to help shape a shared vision for their area and agree priorities for future investment. Board membership is voluntary.
Applications for Neighbourhood Board membership are open until 11.59pm on Sunday 3rd May. Further information about the role, eligibility criteria and how to apply is available here.
Joanna McNicholas, Chair of the Redbridge and Millbrook West Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board, said:
“As Chair of the Pride in Place Board, I bring a strong personal connection and genuine passion for the community I serve. Having lived in the area all my life and worked here since I was 16, this community means a great deal to me.
“My 20 years of experience working with children and families has shaped my commitment to making a positive difference. I’m proud to lead work that celebrates the area, brings people together and builds a lasting legacy for the future, creating a place where everyone feels valued, connected and proud to call it home.”
Satvir Kaur MP, Member of Parliament to Southampton Test, said:
“I am delighted that Jo has been appointed as Chair, and have enormous confidence that she will fulfil her brief with passion and integrity. As someone who both lives and works in the area, this project is personal for her – not only does she bring the insight and perspective that only a local resident can have, but she also has a wealth of professional experience that will be invaluable to the role of chairing such a significant, £20 million project. Can’t wait to work with her to get this project off the ground and to start delivering for the local community, just as soon as possible.
“Now that Jo is in post, she has quickly started the process of appointing the rest of the Neighbourhood Board, with applications for Board Members now open. She is on the look-out for a range of different experience to be represented on the Board, and we are warmly welcoming applications from anyone and everyone who shares the vision of a better future for the local area. Whether you have particular professional skills you can offer, a background in the community that informs your perspective, or lived experience of the area and the issues faced by residents, we absolutely want to hear from you – get your application in now!”