At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Harlesden Neighbourhood Board and oversee a £20m investment for community improvement.
- Company: Brent Council, committed to empowering local communities.
- Benefits: Make a real impact in your community and gain valuable leadership experience.
- Other info: Flexible working and a chance to create lasting change until December 2030.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Harlesden and champion local voices in decision-making.
- Qualifications: Passion for community, strong communication skills, and ability to manage conflicts.
Salary range: Unpaid Voluntary role.
Programme: Pride in Place Programme, Brent
Accountable body: Brent Council
Time Commitment: Approx. 8-12 hours per month.
Term: Fixed term until 31 December 2030
Do you want to help shape a £20m investment in Harlesden? Pride in Place is a brand new Government programme that is designed to give communities across the UK greater control over how their neighbourhoods grow and improve. Harlesden is set to receive £20m over a 10-year period to support stronger communities, create thriving places and put residents at the very centre of shaping their area’s future. We are seeking a Chair for the Harlesden Neighbourhood Board, which will oversee the delivery of the £20m investment fund.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Chair who believes in the power of community, loves where they live, can bring people together and is enthusiastic about leading local change. The Chair will provide independent leadership for the Pride in Place Programme in Harlesden. They will directly oversee and manage the £20m investment fund and lead in developing the local regeneration plan. The Chair will act as a champion for Harlesden and its residents, ensuring that decision-making is community-led and that the Pride in Place Programme delivers lasting social, economic and environmental benefits. The Chair will work closely with Brent Council leadership, the MP for Queens Park and Maida Vale and wider community partners.
The role will involve:
- Building a neighbourhood board that is representative of the local area and welcomes a range of voices and perspectives
- Facilitating conversations and navigating differences of opinion
- Championing the local area and upholding the community-led spirit of the Pride in Place Programme
- Ensuring that decisions and the local regeneration plan reflect the priorities, vision and aspirations of those living and working in the area
- Being calm under pressure and managing conflict and challenges well.
The Person
We are looking for someone special who can demonstrate their connection to the local Harlesden community and can show their passion for the area. The person should be someone who can facilitate conversations, ensure that a wide range of voices are heard and can manage conflicts confidently and effectively. The person must be able to be fair and balanced, is open to learning and feedback and is calm under pressure. The person must also have the time necessary to prioritise the role.
Why join us?
This is a once in a generation opportunity to play a leading role within your local community. You will help local people to take genuine ownership of a £20 million investment fund, strengthen community pride and cohesion and create lasting improvements to the places and opportunities that matter most to residents. You will work with passionate community members, Council Leadership, local authority staff and the local MP to deliver a meaningful and lasting legacy.
Application Process
To apply, please submit your CV as well as a supporting statement which should demonstrate how you meet the criteria set out in the Person Specification. The supporting statement should be no more than 3 pages in length.
Closing date: Thursday 2 July 2026 (23:59)
Interview date: Interviews will be held in person, with a venue to be confirmed. Scheduled for the week commencing Monday 13 July and Monday 20 July 2026.
Additional Information
Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourage applications from all sections of the community. We positively encourage all applicants to self-identify their characteristics in the diversity survey section in the application.
We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that posts working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances.
Brent has a positive approach to flexible working.
As a disability confident employer Brent welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including “non-visible” disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us on prideinplace@brent.gov.uk
Harlesden Neighbourhood Board Chair (Pride in Place) employer: Borough of Brent
Brent Council offers a unique opportunity to lead the Harlesden Neighbourhood Board as part of the Pride in Place Programme, empowering local communities to shape their future with a significant £20m investment. This voluntary role fosters a collaborative work culture, where your leadership will directly impact community pride and cohesion, while providing a platform for personal growth and meaningful engagement with passionate residents and local leaders. Join us in creating lasting improvements in Harlesden, where your voice and vision can truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Harlesden Neighbourhood Board Chair (Pride in Place)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Attend local events and engage with residents to understand their needs and aspirations. This will not only help you connect but also show your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to local leaders, community groups, and stakeholders. Building relationships can open doors and provide valuable insights into the role and its impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to speak or present, let your enthusiasm for Harlesden shine through. People are drawn to those who genuinely care about their community.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and ready to take action for the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Harlesden Neighbourhood Board Chair (Pride in Place)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Harlesden:When writing your supporting statement, let your love for Harlesden shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that connect you to the community. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the area.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your supporting statement focused and to the point. Remember, it should be no more than 3 pages long. We appreciate clarity, so make sure you highlight how you meet the criteria without going off on tangents.
Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills:As the Chair, you'll need to lead effectively. Use your application to showcase any previous leadership experiences, especially those involving community engagement or conflict resolution. We want to know how you can bring people together!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your CV and supporting statement through the London Borough of Brent Careers page. It's the easiest way for us to receive your application, and we can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Brent
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to really understand Harlesden and its unique challenges and opportunities. Familiarise yourself with local issues, community groups, and the aspirations of residents. This will help you demonstrate your genuine connection to the area and show that you're ready to champion its needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences, especially those that involved community engagement or conflict resolution. Think of specific examples where you've successfully brought people together or navigated differing opinions. This will highlight your ability to lead the Neighbourhood Board effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
The role requires working closely with various stakeholders, including Brent Council and local partners. Be ready to talk about how you plan to facilitate conversations and ensure diverse voices are heard. Highlight any past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with different groups to achieve a common goal.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Given the nature of the role, it's crucial to convey your ability to remain calm and composed in challenging situations. Prepare to share examples of how you've managed conflicts or stressful scenarios in the past. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the pressures that come with overseeing a significant investment fund.
