Apply to be Chair of Thamesmead Birchmere Park Neighbourhood Board
We’re recruiting for the volunteer role of Chair for the new Thamesmead Birchmere Park Neighbourhood Board. The main function of the Board is to oversee the area’s Pride in Place programme.
About the role
This is an unpaid, voluntary role, initially for a term of 2 years.
Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
Once a Neighbourhood Board is established, this can be reviewed based on requirements.
The successful applicant will:
- need to be available to chair meetings several times a year, perhaps more frequently in the early stages
- work with support staff to prepare for each meeting and any arising correspondence
- be essential in activity outside of meetings whilst a board is confirmed and processes set up to develop the programme
Purpose of the role
The Chair will act as a neutral, trusted leader who will:
- lead the recruitment of a diverse and inclusive Neighbourhood Board
- champion community voices and ensure decisions are transparent and community led
- set priorities
- facilitate collaboration and constructive discussion
- help shape a 10‑year vision for Thamesmead Birchmere Park
- represent the Board with partners including the council and local MP
The Chair will bring together residents, community groups, anchor organisations, businesses and public partners, in an open and collaborative way, to co-create a plan outlining the community’s vision for change in Thamesmead Birchmere Park.
The Chair’s primary job is to be a champion for their local community, ensuring that decision-making is community led and that a diverse range of voices are heard. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the long-term future of your neighbourhood.
The Chair should have a deep connection to Thamesmead Birchmere Park, although can be new to this kind of role. What matters most is a commitment to seeing change through and improving the lives of those in their community.
Successful candidates for Chair of the Neighbourhood Board are expected to abide by Seven Principles of Public Life (also known as the Nolan Principles) and follow Pride in Place guidance as per the programme prospectus. More detail on the Pride in Place Programme can be found in the programme prospectus.
What we’re looking for in a Chair
We’re looking for an independent Chair who is a proactive, trustworthy convenor who:
- is deeply connected to their community and fiercely committed to making it an even better place to live. Ideally someone who is strongly connected with, from, lives or works in Thamesmead Birchmere Park
- will work with the local MP, for Erith and Thamesmead, and The Royal Borough of Greenwich (The Accountable Body) to confirm board membership
- with support from the council – can support with the establishment of the neighbourhood board, ensuring it is diverse and inclusive and representative of those living and working in Thamesmead Birchmere Park
- can act as a visible champion for the neighbourhood promoting pride and encouraging participation in engagement
- will oversee a range of ongoing engagement activities
- can bring together different voices from across their community, to shape a collective 10-year vision for the future of Thamesmead Birchmere Park
- has local credibility and will be respected as a leader – even if this is their first leadership role
- ensures that all voices are heard and that Board discussions are collaborative
- is adept at finding consensus, navigating conflict calmly and impartially
- brings together community groups and prioritises community engagement as a central pillar of the programme
- is clear about their own knowledge gaps and considers how the makeup of the Board complements this
- thinks laterally and creatively about solutions to problems and ways to draw in community voices
- acts as a public face and represents the Board externally and brings figures of different political stripes together
- builds strong relationships with stakeholders including local businesses, charities, schools, healthcare providers, and faith groups
- represents the Board in discussions with the local authority, Member of Parliament, and external partners
- promotes transparency and accountability in Board activities
The Chair should ensure that:
- the Board should have a range of voices, including ones that differ from the Chair’s
- the board looks to take forward what the community wants
- this remains a strategic role to take forward community priorities
Skills and attributes required of the Chair
Essential skills and experience
- fair and balanced, ensuring that all voices are heard
- Good at facilitating conversations, particularly when differences of opinion emerge
- open to learning, feedback and development, and an interest in mentoring and upskilling others
- welcoming, open and listens deeply to others
- calm under pressure and manages conflict well
- has time to prioritise the role
- strong facilitation and communication skills, able to engage diverse groups
- commitment to inclusivity, fairness and community led decision making
- ability to build consensus and managing differing viewpoints
- calm under pressure and manages conflict well
- understanding local issues, challenges and opportunities
Desirable skills and experience
- proven leadership in community, civic or organisational settings
- experience in chairing boards, committees, or community groups
- knowledge of governance process and public sector partnerships
- track record of community organising, activism or grassroots leadership
- familiarity with local authority structures and political processes
How to apply
To apply for the Chair role, complete our online application form. You’ll need to outline in no more than 500 words:
- how you’re connected to Thamesmead Birchmere Park
- how your skills, attributes and experience will contribute to the role
- explain why you think you’re the best person to lead the community in developing and delivering the Thamesmead Birchmere Park Pride in Place programme
We’ll consider applications for Co-Chair arrangements.
The deadline for submitting your application form is Friday 3 July 2026.
Contact us
If you have any queries about the Chair role or the recruitment process, email us at pride-In-place@royalgreenwich.gov.uk