Pride in Place
Mixenden and some parts of Illingworth have been included in this Government programme. This means that the area will get £20 million over the next 10 years to fund local improvements. These will be chosen by people who live and work here.
This is a chance to:
- build on the area's strong community spirit and resident leadership;
- tackle long-standing challenges and help create a place people are proud to call home.
For more details, please see: Pride in Place.
The Role of the Independent Chair
This is a strategic role to shape a shared vision for the area that brings together:
- residents;
- community groups;
- local businesses;
- and partners.
The Chair will need to:
- act as a champion for the place;
- provide leadership for the Board, make sure it is inclusive, community-led and embedded locally;
- and focus on leadership and facilitation, not the day-to-day delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the recruitment of the members of the Neighbourhood Board.
- Chair meetings in a structured, inclusive and collaborative way.
- Champion community-led priorities and make sure decisions reflect local needs.
- Facilitate engagement, ensuring diverse and underrepresented voices are heard.
- Build consensus and navigate conflict constructively.
- Provide strategic oversight with a focus on long-term, community-led outcomes.
- Act as a credible public representative of the Board.
- Support partnerships between residents, community groups, businesses and public organisations.
- Promote transparency in decisions, processes and outcomes.
- Encourage learning, reflection and continuous improvement within the Board.
- Monitor the Board's community impact.
- Uphold impartiality, fairness and respect for all voices.
Time commitment
- Start in March 2026.
- At least be available for the first two years.
- Meet every six to eight weeks.
- Have time for preparation, relationship-building and wider engagement.
Induction and officer support will be provided.
Who can apply
Please note: The Chair cannot be an elected representative.
We value a talented, resilient and inclusive community. Anyone can apply, especially from under-represented groups.
Ideally, you will:
- live or work in Mixenden/Illingworth;
- hold a prominent role in the community;
- have a strong local connection and passion for the place.
To ensure the Board has the right leadership, payment may be given for the Chair's time. This will be reviewed once the Board is established.
Expenses
Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed to support involvement, such as travel or childcare.
This is to help make sure that no one is excluded from taking part due to cost. If financial support would be an issue for you, please let us know.
How to apply
To view the role profile and download the application form, visit: Pride in Place (Dropbox).
Email your completed form to: inclusive.economy@calderdale.gov.uk.
- Close date: Sunday 1st March 2026.
Interviews
These will take place in the week that starts on 2nd March 2026. (Interviews may be online via Teams.)
Contact us
We are happy to help. If you have a query or want an informal chat about the role, please email either:
- Faye Henderson, faye.henderson@calderdale.gov.uk;
- or Kate Dearden MP, kate.dearden.mp@parliament.uk.