Walker is set to receive £20 million over the next ten years through the Government’s Pride in Place Programme. The funding will support improvements to the area, helping local spaces, services, groups, and activities to grow and thrive.
The programme is focused on making communities feel more connected by improving public and green spaces, making it easier to access services such as healthcare, and supporting arts, culture, and local activities.
Neighbourhood Boards are being created to help shape how this funding is used. The boards will bring together local residents, businesses, community leaders, and partners to work alongside Newcastle City Council and ensure investment reflects what local people want and need.
About the Neighbourhood Board
Newcastle City Council is inviting local residents to express an interest in joining the new Neighbourhood Board for Walker.
The Board will bring together local people, businesses, community leaders, and partners to shape a long-term plan for the area. Working alongside the Council, members will help set priorities, guide investment, and create a shared vision for Walker’s future.
The Board will play an important role in decision-making and ensuring the wider community is involved throughout the programme.
What is the role about?
Neighbourhood Board Members help decide how Pride in Place funding is invested locally. They work together to shape a long-term vision for the area and support projects that improve life for residents.
The role involves representing the community, listening to local views, and helping make fair decisions that benefit Walker now and in the future.
What will I do as a Board member?
As a Neighbourhood Board Member, you will:
- Help create the Pride in Place Plan, reflecting what local people feel is important
- Connect the Board with the wider community by sharing information and encouraging involvement
- Work collaboratively with other Board members, the Chair, Newcastle City Council, and local partners
- Review funding proposals to help ensure investment is fair, transparent, and aligned with local priorities
- Follow good governance standards, including openness, honesty, and declaring any conflicts of interest
How will the Board work?
- The Board will follow agreed governance arrangements and avoid conflicts of interest
- All members will have an equal voice and vote in discussions and decisions
- The Board will work collaboratively to support the aims of the Pride in Place Programme
How much time will it take?
- Board members will be expected to:
- Attend regular Board meetings
- Prepare for meetings by reading documents in advance
- Take part in occasional workshops, events, or smaller working groups where needed
- Complete any relevant training or induction sessions
Meeting times and frequency will be agreed by the Board to best suit members.
We expect the busiest period in 2026 to be between July and November while the Pride in Place Plan is being developed.
In 2027, the busiest period is likely to be spring and early summer, when the Board may begin reviewing the first funding proposals.
What support will be available?
- Reasonable expenses, such as travel or childcare costs, can be reimbursed for meetings and events
- Council staff will support the Board with administration, meeting organisation, and record keeping
- Training and guidance will be provided to help members feel confident in the role
- Specialist Council teams, including Communications, Legal, Procurement, and Finance, will provide support where needed
Join the Neighbourhood Board
If you’re interested in becoming part of the Neighbourhood Board, you can express your interest by completing the Expression of Interest form linked below.
The form takes around four minutes to complete.
Applications are now open, with informal discussions to follow.
If you require support to complete this form, or require the form in any other format, please email community@companyofothers.org.uk
Pride in Place Workshops
We’re inviting Walker residents to take part in a series of open workshops to help shape the future of the area.
These workshops are an opportunity for local people to share:
- what they love about Walker
- what they would like to see improved
- their priorities for the future
- how they would like Pride in Place funding to be used
The workshops will help inform future plans and investment decisions as part of the Pride in Place Programme.
Workshops are open to Walker residents only.
Workshop dates:
Monday 13 July – 10:30am-12pm
Wednesday 29 July – 5-7pm