Ramsgate Neighbourhood Board Chair

Keywords

18+ Board Chair

Description

We have secured £20 million in government funding to drive a ten-year vision for our town, and we are now moving from a phase of planning to a phase of doing. To lead this next chapter, we are looking for an independent Chair to head the Ramsgate Neighbourhood Board. We need a strategic leader ready to drive visible, concrete results that residents can see on their doorsteps. The role of the Chair is pivotal in terms of galvanising Board members and their wider stakeholders to realise Ramsgate’s potential, and ensure that the Vision and Regeneration Plan submitted to central government can be delivered. The Chair should be a champion and provide leadership for the Board, ensuring it is community-led and embedded within the local area.

The Role

The key responsibilities are to:

• Uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life as set out in the Code of Conduct;
• Provide strategic and dynamic leadership for the Board;
• Lead the Board in achieving its objectives, maintaining an overview of activity and championing and supporting partnership working;
• Act as the champion and guardian of the Pride in Place Values: Ensure that the five core values—Belonging, Pride, Care, Action, and Thrive—serve as the practical “decision-making filter” for every project, policy, and budget allocation led by the Board .
• Ensure that all sectors on the Board are actively engaged with equal opportunities to bring their voice and expertise to the table;
• Run meetings effectively and fairly, ensuring the Board adheres at all times to high standards of ethics and governance;
• Exert a casting vote in Board Decisions if circumstances so require;
• Reflect the agreed view of the Board in discussions with partners and stakeholders;
• On behalf of the Board, work with the Accountable Body to ensure there is a strong assurance framework in place for external funding programmes; 
• Lead the Board in shaping the vision for Ramsgate, as well as defining the strategy and steps that need to be taken to achieve that vision
• Ensure, through engagement with the Accountable Body, that the funding programmes are not put at any financial, legal, or reputational risk.

What rewards come with volunteering, and how does it create meaningful change?

The Rewards: Shaping a Legacy The primary reward of this role is the opportunity to be at the heart of Ramsgate’s transformation. As Chair, you aren’t just a figurehead; you are the bridge between a £20m government investment and the people who call this town home. Professionally, you will hone your skills in high-level strategic leadership, complex stakeholder facilitation, and economic regeneration. Personally, you gain the satisfaction of knowing you helped “equalise the voices” of your community, ensuring that the town’s future belongs to everyone.

Creating Meaningful Change: From Planning to Doing Meaningful change in Ramsgate isn’t just about a strategy on a page; it’s about visible, concrete results on our doorsteps. This role creates change by:

• Driving Action: You will move the Board from a phase of listening to a phase of delivery—focusing on revitalising the town centre and creating jobs – “Open Up”.
• Restoring Pride: Through our “Clean Up” and “Light Up” priorities, you will help create a town that feels safer and more welcoming for every resident.
• Investing in the Future: By “Raising Up” our young people and “Joining Up” our health and wellbeing services, you ensure that the £20m investment creates a lasting impact that transcends a single generation.

“Beauty and peace, prosperity and pride. Safe harbour, open arms. Not striving but thriving. All together, Ramsgate is rising.”

By volunteering your leadership, you turn this vision into a reality.

Requirements

The Chair will have:

• Proven ability to think strategically and able to demonstrate creative problem solving. 

• Relevant experience in a senior or influential position demonstrating strategic leadership and effectiveness over a significant period.

• Experience in developing, implementing and monitoring corporate business and financial strategies.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to lead with transparency and authenticity. You should be able to articulate complex ideas with clarity and honesty, matching the town’s authentic, straightforward voice.

• Proven ability to facilitate complex discussions and equalise voices across diverse audiences—including business, community, and political stakeholders. You will demonstrate the interpersonal and networking skills needed to bridge different viewpoints, build commitment, and drive the consensus required to deliver visible, agreed outcomes for the town.

• A commitment to “open arms” leadership, ensuring newcomers and long-time residents alike feel they belong.

• Knowledge of and a passion for Ramsgate and the surrounding areas (Thanet, East Kent, South East).
• Experience in delivering large-scale projects, community-led initiatives, or social infrastructure programmes.