Whitehouse and Stoke Park & Chantry residents are being offered a rare opportunity to help shape how significant future investment is used in their communities. With applications currently open for two new Pride in Place Neighbourhood Boards, we take a closer look at what’s involved, who can apply, and why local voices matter.
What if local people had a genuine say in the future of their neighbourhood?
That’s exactly what’s being offered through Ipswich’s new Pride in Place programme, which could see up to £20 million invested in both Whitehouse and Stoke Park & Chantry over the next decade.
But before any decisions are made, local people are needed to help shape what that future looks like.
Ipswich Borough Council is currently recruiting Chairs and Board Members for two new Neighbourhood Boards. One will represent Whitehouse, while the other will represent Stoke Park & Chantry.
Together, these Boards will help decide priorities for their area, guide future investment and ensure local residents have a real voice in decisions that affect where they live.
You Don’t Need To Be An Expert
If you’ve already dismissed the idea because you don’t have experience in local government, politics or community leadership, think again.
One of the most important messages from the Pride in Place team is that formal qualifications are not required.
In fact, what matters most is that you:
- live, work or have strong links to the area
- care about your community
- are willing to listen to different viewpoints
- want to help make a positive difference
- can bring local knowledge, enthusiasm or lived experience
The programme is particularly keen to hear from younger residents, people from underrepresented groups and those whose voices are not always heard.
What Would You Actually Be Doing?
The Boards won’t be running day-to-day services.
Instead, they’ll work alongside residents, community groups, businesses and local partners to:
- identify what matters most to local people
- help set priorities for the neighbourhood
- influence how investment is used
- oversee projects and monitor progress
- ensure decisions benefit the wider community
Board Members will attend meetings every few months, take part in discussions and help represent the interests of their area.
Those applying to be Chair will take on an additional leadership role, helping guide meetings and support the work of the Board.
Support Is Available
Nobody is expected to do this alone.
Successful applicants will receive training, guidance and practical support to help them understand the role and contribute effectively.
Reasonable expenses can also be covered, as the programme does not want finances to become a barrier to participation.
Why Get Involved?
For many people, this is a rare opportunity to help shape long-term investment in the place they call home.
Whether you’re passionate about improving opportunities for young people, enhancing community spaces, supporting local organisations or helping create a stronger sense of neighbourhood pride, this is a chance to help influence what comes next.
The people who know Whitehouse and Stoke Park & Chantry best are the people who live there, work there and use them every day.
Pride in Place is looking for those voices.
How To Apply
Applications are currently open for both Chair and Board Member positions.
Chair applications close on 15 June 2026.
Board Member applications close on 9 July 2026.
Applicants can only apply for one area, either Whitehouse or Stoke Park & Chantry, and will need to complete an application form and submit a CV.
For full details and application information, visit the Ipswich Borough Council Pride in Place page here.
Five Reasons You Might Be More Qualified Than You Think
✔ You live in the area.
✔ You understand what works and what doesn’t.
✔ You care about your community.
✔ You want local people to have a stronger voice.
✔ You want to help create a positive legacy for future generations.
That sounds like exactly the kind of experience Pride in Place is looking for.
Who wrote this about Ipswich?
Miranda Acres
Miranda has been a Freelance Marketing and Design Consultant for more years than she cares to remember, supporting local start-ups, SMEs and charities. A passionate founder of Ipswich.love. Huge supporter of Ipswich's bid for City of Culture 2029. Born, bred and choosing Ipswich.
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