Neighbourhood Board chair sought to help shape future of Braes Villages and Hallglen

The search is on to find a volunteer Chair to lead the new Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board.

The role is being created after The Braes Villages and Hallglen were chosen to receive £20 million of Pride in Place funding from the UK Government, running over 10 years.

The programme is designed to strengthen neighbourhoods by supporting community-led priorities and improving health, wellbeing and opportunities over the long term.

In The Braes Villages and Hallglen, it will bring residents, community groups, businesses and partners together to agree what matters most locally and develop a long-term Investment Plan.

The new Neighbourhood Board will be made up mainly of local residents, along with business and community representatives.

Whilst local councillors and the MP for Falkirk will be members, the board must be a majority non-political group with decision making resting with the community.

The chair role is voluntary, non‑political and not open to elected officials.

The chair’s responsibilities include convening and chairing board meetings, supporting fair and inclusive discussion; helping recruit and support a resident-majority board; building participation from residents, community groups, businesses and partner organisations; leading development of the 10-year Investment Plan; supporting community engagement, including with lesser-heard voice; representing the board externally. and supporting governance, including managing conflicts of interest and meeting reporting requirements.

The expected commitment includes around eight board meetings each year, plus community engagement activity and involvement in regional learning such as the MHCLG Network for Neighbourhoods forum.

Falkirk Council will also provide support, guidance and training for the board and its chair.

Councillor Paul Garner, spokesperson for economic development, said: "This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to help shape how this new and significant Pride in Place funding is spent. This is about giving local people the ability to contribute to setting the priorities for long term investment and this role will be a key figure in that.

“As chair they will help the board propose how this money should be spent, monitor how the work is progressing, and ensure decisions focus on what will make a practical difference. They will also support inclusive discussion and help partners work together on a ten year plan for The Braes Villages and Hallglen, with improvements expected to continue beyond the life of the programme.”

Interested candidates should complete an Expression of Interest form and email it to [email protected], including a summary of relevant skills and experience, and links to the area; contact details for two references who can confirm suitability for the role.

The role will require a Disclosure Scotland check, and the chair will be required to maintain a register of interests and follow relevant governance standards.

For an informal discussion, contact Charlie Croft-Johnston at [email protected].

The closing date for applications is March 26, 2026. Interviews will take place on April 1, 2026.

Enquiries should be made to [email protected]