Independent chairs now in place across all nine Birmingham neighbourhoods selected by government to receive long-term investment.

The chairs bring a wealth of community experience, local action and driving positive change (see at end of release more background on the chairs). 

The appointments mark a major step forward for what is the largest Pride in Place programme in the country at £180m, with Birmingham's nine designated areas benefitting from up to £20 million each over the next decade.

Chairs lead resident-led Neighbourhood Boards, bringing together residents, community organisations and key stakeholders including the local MP and at least one ward councillor, to shape a shared vision for their neighbourhoods and determine priorities for future investment.

Neighbourhood Boards are now beginning to meet across the city, and work is underway to develop long-term plans that reflect local ambitions. Alongside this, early "quick win" projects are being identified, helping communities see tangible benefits while longer-term plans are developed. As boards begin their work, residents should begin to experience a range of opportunities to engage, interact with and influence the programme. Local communities are at the centre of Pride in Place, with decisions taken by the boards and rooted in the views of local people, which helps to shape both quick-win projects and longer-term ambitions. The programme is designed to strengthen local pride, improve social infrastructure and empower residents to influence the future of their neighbourhoods through long-term investment and community-led decision-making.

Birmingham City Council has made a significant investment in supporting the long-term success of the Pride in Place Programme, funding a dedicated delivery team including Pride in Place Area Leads, that does not draw on the Pride in Place funding awarded to areas and so this can remain focused on local priorities. Chairs have also received tailored training in governance, finance, procurement, democratic processes and legacy planning to equip them for their leadership role. Area Leads will provide ongoing support to boards, acting as secretariat and ensuring robust governance arrangements are in place. As the accountable body, the council will work closely with boards and partners to ensure funding complies with government requirements and delivers maximum impact for residents to leave a legacy beyond the programme's ten-year investment period.

The Pride in Place Programme is part of Birmingham City Council's wider commitment to strengthening neighbourhoods, which includes Local Partnership Officers working in each of Birmingham’s 69 wards to support ward meetings and local community organisations working together to improve their neighbourhoods. The learning from Pride in Place will feed into the neighbourhoods programme, which could mean exploring how more areas could have Pride in Place style Neighbourhood Boards.

Councillor Roger Harmer, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

"Getting all the independent chairs in place is an important milestone and means the programme can now accelerate, ensuring communities are fully involved in the programme and moving to tangible ‘quick wins’ so people can see what is possible. At the heart of Pride in Place is local people shaping and directing the funding for their areas.  But we also know trust is a big issue. So, the programme is also about giving confidence that what is agreed locally can be backed by the funding and moves forward to deliver the real benefits.

As a Council, we’ve put dedicated support behind the programme to make it a success. Given it is the largest programme in the country, it offers great opportunities in sharing good ideas and what we can do across the areas. The next phase is bringing together community voices, developing a clear vision for each area and identifying immediate opportunities and long-term priorities that will make a lasting difference for residents."

The nine Birmingham Pride in Place areas and appointed Chairs are:

Druids Heath

Fred Grindrod is an experienced communications, policy and governance professional who serves as Deputy Head of Campaigns and Communications at NASUWT. He has extensive expertise in stakeholder engagement, policy development and strategic communications. Fred also served for eight years as a Birmingham City Councillor for Bournville & Cotteridge, where he championed community interests and promoted strong governance and accountability in local government. 

His career reflects a longstanding commitment to improving public services, strengthening democratic accountability and ensuring that the voices of communities and members are heard in decision-making processes 

Fox Hollies (name submitted to government to be changed to Gospel & Pitmaston)

Kynton Swingle has a lifelong connection to Fox Hollies, having been born and raised in the area. As the Community Development Manager at Fox Hollies Community Association, he has spent the past four years leading work that strengthens communities, tackles inequality and creates opportunities for local people, having previously developed the organisation's children and young people's services.

With a background in community development, youth work and charity leadership, Kynton has also worked regionally and nationally to champion the role of grassroots organisations and amplify the voices of small charities. He is passionate about bringing people together to celebrate the area's strengths and help shape its future.

Glebe Farm

Joanne Harris has worked in Birmingham for over twenty years and brings extensive experience in leadership, governance and community engagement, alongside a strong commitment to sustainable, community-led improvement.

Throughout her career Joanne has worked closely with residents, Birmingham City Council, schools, voluntary organisations and community groups to develop initiatives that create lasting positive change. Her collaborative leadership style is rooted in inclusivity, transparency and a commitment to ensuring that all voices are heard.

She is committed to supporting the Pride in Place programme's vision of community-led improvement, helping residents, partners and stakeholders work together to identify priorities and deliver sustainable, long-term benefits for the area.  

Handsworth West

Gilbert Pomell is an HCPC-registered social worker, Chief Officer, and senior executive with over 40 years of leadership experience across the public, private, and voluntary sectors. He has led organisational transformation, governance reform, and service delivery within health, social care, and community development. Holding senior roles including Chief Officer, Head of Operations, Regional Director, and Executive Director, he has overseen large-scale services, strengthened safeguarding, and ensured regulatory compliance. Since 2017, Gilbert has served as Chairman of Bethel Apostolic Church UK, providing strategic leadership and governance to the national organisation. He has also chaired charitable and community organisations throughout his career, combining strategic leadership with social impact. His extensive consultancy work with the NHS, Care Quality Commission, local authorities, and NGOs reflects his expertise in driving sustainable change, workforce development, and person-centred services.

Hawkesley

Wendy Collymore is a retired police officer and dedicated community advocate with a deep commitment to Hawkesley and the surrounding area. Drawing on both her professional career and personal experience supporting her father's care needs, she understands the vital role that strong local services and community support networks play in people's lives.

Wendy is committed to bringing people together, championing local services, and building on the area's many strengths to help create an even better future for current and future generations.

Kingstanding

Martin Holcombe has more than 30-years’ experience in the community and charity sectors including several years at Carers UK and the Specialist Schools Trust. He moved to Birmingham in 2001, joining Birmingham Settlement in 2003 as HR Manager, becoming CEO in 2006. He has significant experience of charity boards including being a founding trustee of Locality and is currently Chair of the George Fentham Birmingham Charity. As CEO of Birmingham Settlement, he has led the charity through several periods of growth and development, balancing economic realities with community and individual needs. He is based in Kingstanding and sees the Pride in Place offer as an exciting opportunity to bring about real community-led change for people and communities in an often-forgotten part of the city.

Nechells

Lee Marsham brings a wealth of experience and a longstanding commitment to the local community. Lee serves as a member of the Bloomsbury Estate Management Board and is Chair of Ambassadors for both Nechells Primary Academy and Heartlands Academy. A former councillor for Nechells, Lee has dedicated many years to championing opportunities and improving outcomes for local residents.

Lee is focused on ensuring the successful delivery of the funding and investment secured for the area, working collaboratively with residents, partners, and stakeholders to create lasting positive change. Passionate about community development, Lee believes that by working together, Nechells can build a stronger, more prosperous future for everyone.

Sparkbrook North

Naeem Qureshi was born and raised in Sparkbrook. He has an in-depth knowledge of Sparkbrook and its surrounding areas and has achieved an MBE for services to the Sparkbrook Community.    

Naeem is member of many local and city-wide structures and networks. He hopes to bring together various strategies and priorities in a cohesive way to make an impact in Sparkbrook North, and act as an enabler and convener to bring local residents, stakeholders and institutions working for a common purpose. 

Woodgate

Pete West has lived in the area for 52 years. He is a civil servant in his professional role, so understands the complexities in delivering government programmes. Pete is an active member of the local community, being the secretary of the local social club and a regular contributor to the local pub quiz.  

Further updates on community engagement opportunities, Neighbourhood Board activity and the development of local plans will be shared in local areas and collectively as the programme progresses.