Oxford chair appointed for Greater Leys Pride in Place board

Daniel Wadsworth has been named independent chair of the Greater Leys Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board in Oxford.

He will guide the delivery of a 10-year, government-funded scheme focused on strengthening and improving the local area.

Mr Wadsworth said: “This is a once in a generation chance to make a huge difference to the Leys.

“It’s a chance for people to come together and have their say on what they feel is needed and what they’d like to have in the future.

“I’m very honoured to be playing a part in this and look forward to working with everyone to make this happen.”

A resident of Greater Leys since 2015, Mr Wadsworth has lived in Oxford for 30 years and brings significant experience to the role.

He is director of Jessop and Cook Architects and has served as a parish councillor for Blackbird Leys and chair of several organisations, including the children’s charity Parasol Project.

He currently chairs The Leys CDI.

Mr Wadsworth will lead the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board in developing a long-term vision and investment plan for Greater Leys.

The 10-year plan must be approved by central government to unlock phased funding under the scheme.

He will also ensure the programme remains community-driven.

Recruitment for the chair position involved an extensive engagement process.

A selection panel conducted interviews and included Anneliese Dodds MP, Oxford City councillor Linda Smith, and the locality manager for the Leys.

A community advisory panel, including representatives from youth groups, community organisations, and the Tenant Involvement Panel, also contributed to the process.

Ms Dodds said: “The Pride in Place programme gives local residents control over a pot of £20 million to spend on their priorities, in their area, over the next ten years.

“As the Chair of this programme we needed a Greater Leys resident who was in touch with and committed to the local community.

“Our open and thorough recruitment process has found exactly such a person – Dan Wadsworth.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved and look forward to the next stages of the programme and what it can achieve.”

The next step will be to recruit members for the Neighbourhood Board.

It will be largely made up of local residents, community members, and representatives from voluntary organisations, and will also include at least one councillor and the local MP.

Councillor Smith said: “Dan Wadsworth is a local resident of Greater Leys with a track record of commitment and involvement in the local community as well as the necessary skills to lead this major programme of investment in Greater Leys.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how he delivers real improvements and benefits for local people.”