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

Following a competitive recruitment process, Josie Kelly has been reappointed as Chair and brings with her more than 33 years of working in the charity sector, supporting local people and communities to make positive changes that improve the lives of local residents.

She is Chief Executive of Wolverhampton charity Access to Business, and a longstanding Trustee of a Wolverhampton Central Youth Theatre, with a passion for engaging with young people to improve their skills, confidence and employment opportunities. 

Her work across the West Midlands includes the role of Social Economy Lead for Wolverhampton, appointed by West Midlands Combined Authority – a role that sees her advising local social economy businesses that provide services to support the most vulnerable people in the city.

Independent Chair, Josie Kelly, said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed Independent Chair of the Bilston Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board.

“Pride in Place funding provides a unique opportunity to engage with and support communities to make a real and long-lasting impact in their area.

“I am proud that Bilston has a committed and inclusive Board that has engaged with local residents, communities and businesses to develop the Bilston Pride in Place plan to deliver interventions, programmes and events that local people have asked for and will and proud of.

“The Board are committed to ensuring that local people are fully involved and engaged throughout the project to ensure that the positive impact in Bilston extends beyond the lifetime of the programme.”

Councillor Linda Leach, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Adults, and Bilston Board Member, said: “Congratulations to Josie on her reappointment as the independent Chair of the Bilston Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board.

“She brings a wealth of experience and community understanding that will be invaluable as we continue with this ambitious programme.

“The return of the Bilston Carnival - thanks to Pride in Place – meant a lot to the people of the town and was a joy to see. Over the next ten years, backed by major investment, more initiatives shaped by the community will come to fruition and regeneration plans will be delivered.

“The Board will play an important part in supporting Josie, and together real, long‑term change will transform Bilston, building a stronger, more hopeful future for residents.”

Pat McFadden MP, Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton South East, said: “I warmly welcome Josie Kelly's reappointment as the independent Chair of the Bilston Pride in Place Board. I have worked with Josie for a number of years and have seen first-hand her unwavering commitment to Bilston and her passion for bringing people together to make our communities stronger.

“Josie understands that real change happens when local people are at the heart of shaping their own future. Her experience and dedication make her an outstanding leader, and I am pleased she will continue to guide the Pride in Place Board as it works to deliver a shared vision for Bilston.

“Thanks to the hard work of Josie, the Board and so many dedicated local volunteers, we're already seeing what can be achieved. The return of the Bilston Carnival is a fantastic example of the pride, community spirit and ambition that exists in our town.

“This is an exciting opportunity to build on Bilston's strengths, celebrate everything that makes our town special, and ensure local voices remain at the heart of the decisions that affect them. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Josie and everyone involved to deliver the brighter future that Bilston deserves."

The Neighbourhood Board is made up of local people who live in or are invested in the future of the area.

It will continue to be supported by the Council and the constituency MP, on delivering Bilston’s ten‑year Pride in Place Plan, ensuring resident voices lead decision‑making, oversee projects that deliver clear, visible improvements and help strengthen long‑term community leadership and investment whilst driving collaboration across partners to support successful delivery.