At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the St Raphael’s 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 leadership experience.
- Other info: Flexible working and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of St Raphael’s and champion local voices.
- Qualifications: Passion for community, strong communication skills, and conflict management abilities.
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 St Raphael’s? 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. St Raphael’s 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 St Raphael’s 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 St Raphael’s. 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 St Raphael’s 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 Brent East 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 St Raphael’s 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.
To apply for this opportunity, visit London Borough of Brent Careers 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 (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 encourages 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.
The information we collect from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas and your data protection rights can be found here.
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 recruitment@brent.gov.uk.
St Raphael’s Neighbourhood Board Chair (Pride in Place) employer: Borough of Brent
Brent Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the St Raphael’s Neighbourhood Board and shape a £20 million investment in your community. With a strong commitment to community engagement, diversity, and flexible working, you will collaborate with passionate local residents and stakeholders to create lasting improvements in St Raphael’s. This role not only empowers you to make a meaningful impact but also fosters personal growth and development within a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land St Raphael’s 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’re in interviews or discussions, let your enthusiasm for the St Raphael’s community shine through. Share personal stories that highlight your connection to the area.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace St Raphael’s Neighbourhood Board Chair (Pride in Place)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your supporting statement, let your enthusiasm for the St Raphael’s community shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that connect you to the area and demonstrate why you care about its future.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your CV and supporting statement straightforward and to the point. Make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences without overloading us with information. We want to see how you meet the criteria set out in the Person Specification clearly.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Make sure to tailor your CV and supporting statement to reflect the specific requirements of the Chair role. Show us how your background aligns with the goals of the Pride in Place Programme.
Check Your Details:Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is key for a leadership role like this one. And remember, apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Brent
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to really understand the St Raphael’s community. Familiarise yourself with its history, current challenges, and aspirations. This will not only show your passion but also help you articulate how you can contribute to the Pride in Place Programme.
✨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 successfully brought people together or navigated differing opinions, as this is crucial for the role of Chair.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the programme and the expectations for the Chair role. This demonstrates your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the position aligns with your vision for the community.
✨Stay Calm and Collected
Given the nature of the role, it’s important to convey that you can remain calm under pressure. Practice answering potential tough questions with poise, and be ready to discuss how you would handle conflicts within the board or the community.
