Daniel Wadsworth appointed as Chair of Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board
Initiative aims to shape community-led long-term strategy
Daniel Wadsworth has been named Independent Chair of the new Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board for Greater Leys.
This appointment signifies a key stage in the delivery of the government-funded Pride in Place investment, a 10-year initiative dedicated to supporting the local community.
Mr Wadsworth has lived in Oxford for 30 years and has resided in the Greater Leys area since 2015.
He brings a wealth of experience through his role as Director of Jessop and Cook Architects and a robust record of community engagement.
His background includes serving as a parish councillor for Blackbird Leys and chairing several organisations, including the Parasol Project and The Leys CDI.
As Independent Chair, Wadsworth will lead efforts to formulate a long-term vision and investment plan for Greater Leys.
This 10-year strategy requires agreement from central government to secure phased funding.
The programme's success hinges on ensuring it is community-led and embedded within the local area.
The recruitment process involved extensive community engagement, following guidance from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
A selection panel, comprising figures such as Anneliese Dodds MP and Councillor Linda Smith, conducted interviews.
Oxford City Council oversaw the recruitment process to ensure independence.
A community advisory panel, including local community groups, young people, and members of the Tenant Involvement Panel, provided input.
With Wadsworth now confirmed as Chair, recruitment for the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board will commence.
The board will chiefly include locals, such as residents, community members, and voluntary organisations, alongside at least one local councillor and the local MP.
Interested individuals can express interest in joining the board via the Council’s Pride in Place webpage.
Daniel Wadsworth remarked, “This is a once in a generation chance to make a huge difference to the Leys. It’s a chance for people to come together and have their say on what they feel is needed and what they'd like to have in the future. I'm very honoured to be playing a part in this and look forward to working with everyone to make this happen.”
Anneliese Dodds added, “The Pride in Place programme gives local residents control over a pot of £20 million to spend on their priorities, in their area, over the next ten years. As the Chair of this programme we needed a Greater Leys resident who was in touch with and committed to the local community. Our open and thorough recruitment process has found exactly such a person - Dan Wadsworth.”
Councillor Linda Smith noted, “Dan Wadsworth is a local resident of Greater Leys with a track record of commitment and involvement in the local community as well as the necessary skills to lead this major programme of investment in Greater Leys.”