Two people have been appointed to key positions that will help determine how £40 million is invested in two deprived areas of Salford.
Residents in Pendleton, as well as Brookhouse and Peel Green, are set to benefit from government funding aimed at bringing about positive change in disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
Both areas were approved for the Pride in Place scheme, which gives people a say over how up to £20 million is spent in their area.
To ensure that local voices are placed at the centre of the decision-making process, a Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board will be set up for Pendleton and another will be established for Brookhouse and Peel Green.
The two boards will engage with the local community before drawing up a plan and setting investment priorities to ensure a long-term vision for their area can be brought to fruition. Each board will include residents, community representatives, the local MP and councillors.
Now, an independent chair who will lead each board has been appointed.
Jenni Smith, the CEO of charity Salford Loaves and Fishes, will oversee the regeneration in Pendleton.
After her appointment was announced, Jenni said: “I feel genuinely honoured and excited to be appointed as Chair of Pride in Place Pendleton. It’s a real privilege to take on a role that is so closely connected to the community, putting residents in the driving seat and focusing on making a positive difference.”
A spokesperson for Salford Community and Voluntary Services outlined: She brings deep-rooted local knowledge and a strong network of trusted relationships built through leading an organisation at the heart of Pendleton, which supports nearly 100 people a day and welcomes over 3,000 residents annually.”
Salford MP Rebecca Long-Bailey said she was delighted to welcome Jenni into her new role as chair of the Pendleton Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board.
“I’m delighted to welcome Jenni as Chair of the Pendleton Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board,” Ms Long-Bailey began, sitting on a sofa smiling next to the newly-unveiled chair.
“Jenni brings a wealth of experience, deep community roots, and a genuine commitment to putting residents first.
“She will be invaluable as the Board works to strengthen and improve the local neighbourhood, ensuring that the voices of residents are at the heart of decision-making and the delivery of the £20 million investment into Pendleton goes to where it’s needed.
“I look forward to working with Jenni and seeing the positive impact she and the rest of the board will have for the community.”
Meanwhile, a long-standing Peel Green resident, parent, and homeowner with two decades’ worth of senior mechanical engineering leadership experience, will chair the Brookhouse and Peel Green Neighbourhood Board.
A Salford CVS spokesperson highlighted why Jon was viewed as the best candidate for the role.
“Jon brings over 20 years of senior mechanical engineering leadership combined with an MBA from Imperial College London, giving him a rare blend of practical problem-solving and strategic business thinking,” they stated.
“He is experienced in chairing meetings, leading cross-functional teams, managing complex projects, and making evidence-based decisions under pressure. He is motivated not by top-down decision-making, but by empowering the community to drive lasting, meaningful change.”
Jon said he was overjoyed to learn he had been given the role.
He said: “Having the opportunity to serve one’s immediate community, with or without compensation, is an immense privilege. A privilege I certainly do not take for granted.
“If my stewardship of this Board improves the life of a single member of this community, then I might be able to say it was worth it. However, the intention is definitely to steer the board to do much more!”
Michael Wheel MP expressed his delight at Jon’s appointment.
“Jon brings a wide range of experience and skills to this important role and a real commitment to making this community the best possible place to live, work and grow up. I am excited to work with him to deliver real change,” Mr Wheeler said.
Andy Higgins has been selected to work alongside Jon as the board’s vice-chair.
“I am really excited about becoming Vice-Chair and am looking forward to working with the Chair and the rest of the Neighbourhood Board in Brookhouse and Peel Green,” he said.
The council says that recruitment to fill the other positions on the neighbourhood boards is “well underway.”
“The level of interest from the community has been strong, and the new Chairs look forward to welcoming a Board that truly reflects the diversity and spirit of Salford,” a spokesperson said.
