The search is on for community leaders to deliver real change for their areas

Independent local leaders are being sought to spearhead the delivery of a total £60 million Pride in Place funding in Wirral over the next decade.

The Pride in Place programme, announced by Government in September 2025, puts communities at the centre of shaping local priorities. 

Central Birkenhead, Seacombe and Woodchurch have each been selected by the government to receive £20 million of government investment over the next decade.

This will be delivered by new Pride in Place Neighbourhood Boards that will be set up for each of these areas and the search is now on to identify people to lead these boards which will oversee how the funding is used for the benefit of their local communities.

Wirral MPs Alison McGovern (Birkenhead), Dame Angela Eagle (Wallasey) and Matthew Patrick (Wirral West) are launching the recruitment process for the Independent Chairs who will lead the new Pride in Place Neighbourhood Boards within their constituencies. 

The three MPs will play a central, hands on role throughout the recruitment and decision making process to ensure that local voices are firmly embedded in every stage of the programme’s development. 

Each Neighbourhood Board will be led by an Independent Chair recommended by the local MP for that area, together with the Council, ensuring local accountability remains integral to the delivery of the work of each Pride in Place board.

Chairs are expected to be individuals who are either from the area, living or working there, or who have a deep, long‑standing connection to the community.  

Potential candidates might include charity leaders, campaigners, faith leaders, teachers, GPs or directors of community sports clubs – though anyone who feels they could do a great job leading the board, to deliver for their community, ought to apply. 

MPs will take a direct leadership role in the recruitment process, including shortlisting candidates, working alongside Wirral Council officers to evaluate Expressions of Interest submitted by residents and community leaders, conducting interviews with shortlisted applicants, and each recommending their preferred candidate for appointment as Chair in their area.

Once in place each of the three Independent Chairs will act as a champion for their community, setting up and leading the Board and ensuring its work reflects the priorities, concerns and aspirations of local residents. 

Each of the three communities will receive £20 million over the next ten years and it will be up to the Chair and the members of the Neighbourhood Boards to decide how that money is spent. 

Information on the role and how to apply be found at wirral.gov.uk/prideinplace. 

People who live or work in the areas of Seacombe, Central Birkenhead and Woodchurch with a passion for their area and local community are strongly encouraged to apply ahead of the closing date of 12pm on Friday 20th February 2026. 

For more information see Pride in Place | wirral.gov.uk to find out how to apply for the role of Independent Chair for Central Birkenhead, Seacombe or Woodchurch via Wirral CVS. 

To have an informal conversation first, you can contact the local MPs or Wirral CVS.

Use these links to find contact details for Matthew Patrick, Angela Eagle and Alison McGovern or email Wirral CVS on representation@wcvs.org.uk.

Further info on Pride in Place from the Government is here: Pride in Place Programme prospectus - GOV.UK