The government-funding over ten years will support both early, visible improvements and long-term regeneration, designed with and for residents.

The newly-appointed Chair, Tom Hayden, is currently Chief Executive at the Good Shepherd, a local charity based on Waterloo Road. He has worked in the city for the last eight years – and has been chosen as the best candidate for the role following a competitive recruitment process.

He has more than 17 years’ experience working alongside people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and multiple disadvantages and is a Chartered Manager and Fellow (FCMI) with the Chartered Management Institute.

His work includes operational and strategic leadership in the charity sector, both locally and nationally, including as a Trustee at Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM), the national charity transforming services for people experiencing multiple disadvantage.

Independent Chair, Tom Hayden, said: “I am honoured to have been appointed Independent Chair of the Whitmore Reans and Dunstall Hill Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board.

“Pride in Place is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference for the community. I’m committed to building an inclusive programme that reflects the strengths, diversity and aspirations of Whitmore Reans and Dunstall Hill, ensuring people are fully involved and engaged throughout the project.

"I look forward to working with everyone so that together we can make the most of this investment and create lasting, positive change.”

Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, said: “Congratulations to Tom on his appointment as the independent Chair of the Whitmore Reans and Dunstall Hill Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board.

“He is passionate about coproduction, inclusion and meaningful engagement, all of which will be invaluable as we embark on this ambitious programme.

“Pride in Place provides a long-term commitment to Whitmore Reans and Dunstall Hill’s people, shaped locally and backed by major investment.

“The Board will play an important part in supporting Tom and we look forward to working together to deliver real, long‑term change for Whitmore Reans and Dunstall Hill and to build a stronger, more hopeful future for the community.”

Warinder Juss MP, Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton West, said: “I am delighted that Tom Hayden has been appointed Chair of the Whitmore Reans and Dunstall Hill Pride in Place Board.

“Having worked closely with Tom through his role at the Good Shepherd, I have seen first-hand his commitment to bringing people together, building strong partnerships and delivering real change for local communities.

“Tom is widely respected across Wolverhampton and has a proven track record of collaborative leadership. His passion for improving lives makes him an excellent choice to lead this important work.

“I look forward to working with him in this new role as we continue our shared ambition to ensure Whitmore Reans and Dunstall Hill is a thriving place.”

With the independent Chair now appointed, the next phase is the formation of the Neighbourhood Board made up of local people who live in or are invested in the future of the area.

Once established, the Board, supported by the Council and the constituency MP, will co‑design the ten‑year Pride in Place Plan, ensure resident voices lead decision‑making, oversee early projects that deliver clear, visible improvements and help strengthen long‑term community leadership and investment whilst driving collaboration across partners to support successful delivery.