As we continue with the exciting evolution of our Borough, recognising the Council’s ambitious Borough Strategy of putting people and community at the heart of what we do, we are delighted that the Council has been successful in securing £20 million in further investment for Newton-le-Willows via the Department for Levelling-up Homes and Communities Long-Term Plan for Towns. This builds upon significant Council investment in the town and funding secured via Round 2 of the Levelling-Up Fund.
In May 2024, St Helens Borough Council appointed Chris Hickey, Managing Director of Mercury Hampton Ltd, to chair the Newton-le-Willows Long-Term Plan Town Board. Chris has over 17 years’ experience of providing business services to clients across the Science Technology and Engineering sector. Chris formed his business six years ago and immediately chose to locate in his hometown Newton-le-Willows as he was determined to employ local people. Chris is a pioneer in innovation and is passionate about creating a culture that will help people succeed. Chris values teamwork, hard work and humility. Born and raised in Newton-le-Willows he attended Cowley Sixth form and St Helens College before serving in the armed forces. Chris is passionate about Newton-le-Willows and is determined to bring economic empowerment to the people of the area.
In conjunction with the Chair and prescribed board members, the Council, as accountable body for the fund, is seeking to recruit wider members to the Town Board. If you are a passionate individual, looking to make a difference to where you live, work, or visit, then please read on to find out more about this once in a lifetime opportunity.
About the Long-Term Plan for Towns
In September 2024, Government announced their ‘Long-Term Plan for Towns’ programme, a core part of the Government’s levelling-up programme, which identified 55 towns across the country that will benefit from up to £20m ‘endowment style’ funding for investment in local priorities over a 10-year period. As part of the Spring Statement (6 March 2024), the Chancellor confirmed an additional £400m to extend the programme to a further 20 towns across the United Kingdom, for which Newton-le-Willows was identified as a beneficiary.
Each town is required to establish a new Town Board and develop a Long-Term Plan. Town Boards to ‘be run by local people for local people and bring together residents, business and community leaders to devise and agree a shared vision for the future.’ St Helens Borough Council will be the accountable body for funding and will work with the Town Board who will be responsible for developing the Long-Term Plan in consultation with local people.
The 10-year Long Term Plan must contain a three-year investment plan aligned to the intervention themes based on local priorities. The three-year investment plan will set out how funding will be spent and delivery milestones.
Towns will also benefit from a new High Streets and Towns Taskforce that will provide bespoke, hands-on support from place-making experts to assist with delivery, encourage shared learning and promote networking between the Town Boards.
Key Milestones
By 1 November 2024
• The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will release £200,000 of capacity funding to support the development of the Long-Term Plan, including additional community engagement activity.
• The Town Board will develop and submit its Long-Term Plan to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (comprising a 10-year Vision and a 3-year Investment Plan).
• Guidance strongly encourages Town Boards to submit Plans as early as possible – the earlier that the Town Board is established and the Plan is submitted, the quicker funding can be unlocked by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
The Long-Term Plan will set out the vision for Newton-le-Willows and priorities for investment and regeneration, aligned to three broad investment themes of “Safety and Security”, “High Streets, Heritage and Regeneration”, and “Transport and Connectivity”.
Responsibility of Board
Once established, the Town Board will oversee the delivery of the Long-Term Plan and will be responsible for:
• Identifying the issues and priorities to focus on in the Long-Term Plan and how the community will be engaged
• Working with the Council to develop the Long-Term Plan, and setting out how partner agencies will use their knowledge, powers, assets and new funding to deliver for the community
• Identifying opportunities to utilise specific powers (such as neighbourhood planning) to drive forward the Long-Term Plan
• Identifying opportunities to bring in additional philanthropic or private investment to support the Long-Term Plan
• Overseeing the delivery of projects in the Long-Term Plan.
As the recipient of the funding, the Council will be the Accountable Body and use its governance (including Section 151 Officer duties) to ensure appropriate use of public money.
Becoming a Board Member
The role of the Town Board is to ensure the Long-Term Plan is both defined and delivered. It will meet on a quarterly basis and members will bring together a broad range of specialisms. All the partners on the Town Board will be passionate and committed in supporting the Council to improve Newton-le-Willows.
To fully represent the town and our residents, it is essential that our Board Membership has a wide range of skills and is diverse to truly represent the people of Newton-le-Willows. We are looking for people from a range of backgrounds and with a wealth of complementary experience who can play an active role in the delivery of the Long-Term Plan, making key decisions that ensure a successful future for our much-loved town.
We are seeking to appoint two Community board members and whilst no previous board experience is required, we expect that candidates will have a range of skills and experience from the general attributes listed below together with a passion for, and commitment to, Newton-le-Willows.
General
• To be a passionate and active ambassador for Newton-le-Willows and work with the Town Board as a whole, to realise the town’s longer-term development and prosperity.
• An understanding of our diverse town and the needs of residents.
• To commit to engage with the community, stakeholders, and partners to help ensure successful delivery of the agreed Long-Term Plan and 3-year Investment Strategy.
Skills and Experience
To strengthen the Board’s skill and capacity and to support the overall successful delivery of the Long-Term Plan, we are seeking to appoint several individuals who may have skills in one or more of the following areas:
• Project Management
• Youth engagement
• Community engagement
• Third sector engagement
• Risk Management
• Contract and Procurement
• Legal Knowledge
• Heritage and conservation
• Governance
• Budget Management
• Strategic Thinking
• Consultation and Engagement
• Education and Training
Commitment
The position of Town Board member is voluntary, with a commitment to attend and positively engage in at least one in-person meeting per quarter. Town Board members are required to attend at least 50% of the scheduled meetings each year and are not able to provide a substitute. Whilst the position is unpaid and costs of travel to Board meetings will not be met, reasonable pre-approved expenses to carry out agreed business of the Board will be paid if appropriate.
Community board positions will be in post for a period of 12 months initially, with an option for extension with the agreement of the Town Board.
We want to make sure you get as much out of this position as you put into it. Volunteering for this position will be a great way to give back to the St Helens community.
Equality & Diversity
St Helens Borough Council respects and values the individuality that every employee brings. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, who share our values, our commitment to inclusion, and who will help us on our journey to transform our town. Further information about Equality & Diversity at St Helens Borough Council can be found at https://www.sthelens.gov.uk/equality
St Helens Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer. Disability Confident Employers lead the way in helping to take action that changes attitudes, behaviours, and cultures for the better.
NOLAN Principles of Conduct in Public Life
Board members are required to comply with the Town Board Terms of Reference and Code of Conduct which is guided by the seven Nolan Principles of public life: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty, and Leadership.
How to Apply
Please provide your up-to-date CV and a covering letter or personal statement which outlines your skills, knowledge and experience for this opportunity.
Please send us your details by emailing, Rachael Buckley, Partnerships Officer, RachaelBuckley@sthelens.gov.uk by 5pm on 21 August 2024.
Please do not apply via the On-Line Application
Your covering letter or personal statement should demonstrate your commitment to St Helens Borough (particularly Newton-le-Willows) and the strengths that you would bring to the Town Board. You should specifically demonstrate your role within the local community and detail how you will represent the views of said community on the Town Board.
Prospective Town Board members who best meet our requirements will be invited to speak to the Town Board Chair and Member of Parliament for St Helens North on a date to be arranged.
It is currently envisaged that new members will be elected to the Town Board at its September meeting for a term of 12 months.
For more information, please contact Mark Bingley Programme Lead (Earlestown Regeneration Programme) MarkBingley@sthelens.gov.uk
Closing Date: 5pm 21 August 2024
Thank you for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you.
