Felixstowe West and Lowestoft Central have each been awarded £20 million of funding through the Government’s ‘Pride in Place’ programme - a major opportunity for local people to shape the future of their neighbourhood and deliver lasting, positive change.
We are now seeking an Independent Chair for a Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board in each location, to help ensure this investment is guided by the voices, priorities, and lived experience of the community.
The independent chairs will be responsible for championing the views of local people and making sure that decisions are inclusive, evidence-based and transparent. They will work with the Board to create a long-term plan for the area and build positive relationships with the community.
We are looking for someone with a strong local connection to Felixstowe West and Lowestoft Central, who cares deeply about their community and wants to help make them even better places to live. Experience of chairing meetings or an understanding of community development is helpful but not essential – training and support can be provided.
Jess Asato, MP for Lowestoft said: “This is a really exciting moment for our town. We are recruiting the very first Chair of the Board, who will play a vital role in shaping how this investment is delivered and making sure it has a real impact locally. We need someone who can be a strong voice for our community, but also a genuine listener, bringing people together and ensuring local priorities are at the heart of every decision.”
Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, MP for Suffolk Coastal which incorporates Felixstowe West said: “Pride in Place is a real opportunity for Felixstowe West - but for it to succeed, it has to be shaped and led by the community.
“This is about putting power into the hands of people who know the area and want to see it thrive. This is your chance to help shape the future of Felixstowe West — if you have the passion to make a difference, I’d encourage you to step forward and apply."
The Chairs do not need to be an expert in regeneration or public services. What matters most is the ability to listen, communicate clearly, and support constructive collaboration.
About the role
• Lead and facilitate meetings of the Neighbourhood Board
• Champion resident-led, inclusive and transparent decision-making
• Ensure a wide range of community voices are heard, including under-represented groups
• Support the development of a 10-year Pride in Place Plan shaped by local priorities
• Build positive relationships with residents, community organisations and businesses
Who We’re Looking For
• Strong connection to Felixstowe West or Lowestoft Central
• Able to bring people together and facilitate discussion
• Fair, impartial and collaborative
• Good listening and communication skills
If you are that person, please get in touch. Send a short statement explaining your link to the local community, your relevant skills and what motivated you to apply.
Your statement can be in the form of a simple video (no longer than four minutes) or a written statement (no longer than 500 words).
Applications should be sent to hr@eastsuffolk.gov.uk. Interviews will be held, in-person on 13 April 2026 (Lowestoft Central) and 16 April 2026 (Felixstowe West).
Felixstowe West information
Lowestoft Central information
For an informal chat about the programme and the role, please contact nick.khan@eastsuffolk.gov.uk