Help Shape the Future of Darwen
Darwen Pride in Place Board – New Chair & Board Members Wanted
Darwen is set to benefit from an incredible £20 million of new funding over the next 10 years through the Government’s Pride in Place Programme. Pride in Place is a new approach to local funding and is designed to put our community in the driving seat.
This builds on the £25 million already successfully secured through the Town Deal, which, together with Council and private sector funding, will generate over £100 million of investment in our town.
This Town Deal programme was successfully overseen by Darwen Town Board, with representatives from across the community. This Board is now transitioning into the Darwen Pride in Place Board, empowering residents, businesses and community organisations to work together to co-design priorities, shape investment decisions and deliver lasting, community-led change for Darwen over the next decade.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen communities, support local businesses, and ensure Darwen remains a thriving place to live, work and visit.
This funding will make a real difference, and we want you to play your part.
Made up of representatives from businesses, charities, community groups and local organisations, alongside the town’s MP and Council Leader, the Pride in Place Board has already developed the Pride in Place Investment Plans needed to secure the funding and is now at a crucial stage in delivering transformational change.
To support this next exciting phase of work, the Board is looking to recruit a new Chair and a number of new Board members.
Role of CHAIR
We are looking for a proactive and trusted champion for Darwen to serve as the Chair of the Darwen Pride in Place Board.
It is not essential that you have experience of local government or a formal board role. What matters most is your passion for Darwen, your capacity to bring people together, and your ability to drive forward the Board’s agreed priorities to make a real difference to the town’s future.
As Chair, you will:
Act as the public face and ambassador for the Pride in Place Programme and the Darwen Town Deal.
Lead the Board in delivering our shared vision and our agreed 4-Year Pride in Place Plan for Darwen alongside our community.
Bring together residents, businesses and community groups, ensuring a wide range of voices are heard and represented and that investment plans continue to match community priorities.
Facilitate open, collaborative discussions and help build consensus around priorities and investment decisions.
You should be:
- Committed to delivering change and have the time and energy to help lead the Board
- Strongly connected to Darwen through living, working or active involvement in the community
- An upstanding member of our community
- A fair and balanced listener who can manage differing views constructively
- Passionate about making Darwen an even better place without promoting a personal agenda
Role of BOARD MEMBERS
We are also seeking enthusiastic new Board members to join the Darwen Pride in Place Board.
We want to build on the diverse range of voices already represented, ensuring the Board continues to reflect the character and aspirations of Darwen. We welcome interest from business owners, community leaders, voluntary sector representatives and residents who care about the town’s future.
As a Board member, you will help shape and oversee delivery of the Investment Plan, help ensure community priorities remain central to its decision-making, and support projects that will make a lasting difference for Darwen.
Commitment & Support
These are voluntary positions, similar to those of a school governor or charity trustee.
Reasonable expenses can be reimbursed.
Board members are expected to attend meetings in person at a location in Darwen. Meetings are typically held during working hours and may take place up to once a month, or more, where required.
How to Apply
Please submit a short expression of interest (maximum 500 words) outlining:
- Your connection to Darwen; and
- Why you think you would be a good fit for the role of Board Chair or Board Member
Applications should be emailed to [email protected] by midday on Monday 7 September.
Please be sure to include your telephone number in case we need to contact you.
If you have any questions or would like to arrange an informal chat, please do get in touch using the same email address.
