Beacon Lough and Wrekenton Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board - Terms of Reference

1. Pride in Place Programme

Pride in Place is an MHCLG initiative from UK Government.

The Pride in Place Programme Fund is a hyper-local programme which will deliver up to £20 million of funding over the next decade into areas that are 'doubly disadvantaged' by both the highest deprivation levels and weakest social infrastructure, focussed on neighbourhoods of circa 10,000 population. The areas that have been selected have been determined through using a robust metrics-based methodology, using Indices of Multiple Deprivation and the Community Needs Index.

Beacon Lough and Wrekenton, in the Borough of Gateshead, was identified as a Pride in Place Programme area in September 2025. As a recipient area, the relevant local authority is required to establish a Neighbourhood Board, in consultation with the local MP. The Neighbourhood Board, led by an independent Chair, must include the Local MP, a local councillor, residents, local businesses and community organisations. It can also include statutory bodies. The board will work in partnership with the local authority.

Each Neighbourhood Board will be required to prepare a long-term vision and an investment plan on how they will use up to £20 million of endowment funding over a ten-year period, with three objectives in mind:

To build stronger communities: All places should have strong relationships and a collective sense of belonging to their community. This helps bring people together to build community cohesion and resilience, helping people to feel proud of their area and safe in their neighbourhood
To create thriving places: Every part of the UK deserves to have vibrant neighbourhoods and communities with busy high streets, a good range of local amenities and high-quality physical infrastructure
To empower people to take back control: Everybody should be empowered and in control of their lives and have a say over the future of their community

The Government has pre-approved a number of indicative interventions that the Neighbourhood Board can invest in. These are referenced in the Pride in Place Programme guidance issued by MHCLG in September 2025.

The Accountable Body for the investment fund is Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council. They will have responsibility for ensuring that public funds are distributed fairly and effectively, and that funds have been managed in line with the Nolan Principles, Equality Act 2010, Public Sector Equality Duty and Managing Public Money principles. They will also be responsible for compliance with legal responsibilities in relation to subsidy control, state aid, procurement and compliance with S151 of the Local Government Act 1972 and section 73 of the Local Government Act 1985. The Council's Section 151 Officer will have to be satisfied that there has been proper administration regarding funding of the programme, particularly in respect of financial administration and transparency of governance.

The Government has stressed the importance of deep, broad and sustained engagement with the community in the preparation of a long-term vision, and an Investment Plan. This will set out how the fund could be used towards achieving that vision, and on-going engagement on projects that emerge. To facilitate this and technical work to support project development and delivery, 37% of the fund can be used as revenue funding for resources - project management, consultants, engagement materials, community grants etc. The remaining 63% will be capital funding for spending on the delivery of the agreed projects.

The Government has issued guidance on the Pride in Place Programme, the role of the Chair of the Neighbourhood Board, and the funding allocations. These Terms of Reference are based on the guidance issued and as new guidance is issued, these Terms will need to be reviewed to ensure ongoing compliance with the Government's requirements and any relevant statutory Government guidance.

If the Board and projects do not comply with the Government's requirements, there is a risk that funding may be withheld or withdrawn, which would mean that the Board would not be able to provide the anticipated benefits for the local community.

2. Purpose of the Neighbourhood Board

To deliver the Pride in Place Programme, Neighbourhood Boards are being set up in every funded neighbourhood across the country. Each Board will be led by an independent Chair - someone who can bring people together to share their ideas in an open and collaborative way. The Chair's primary job is to be a champion for their place and to embody the community-led spirit of the programme. The Chair should have a deep connection to their area and may well be new to this kind of work. What matters most is a commitment to seeing change through and improving the lives of those in their community. In addition to this primary role, the Chair will maintain an oversight of governance as it relates to the Board and ensure that at all times the Board is acting appropriately and with due reference to the Nolan Principles of Public Life.

In accordance with the Guidance, and by mutual agreement, Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council and the Member of Parliament for Gateshead Central & Whickham will identify and appoint the Neighbourhood Board Chair (the Chair).

In accordance with the guidance, and in consultation with the Chair, the MP and Council will select the initial Neighbourhood Board membership. It will be for the Neighbourhood Board to make future appointments.

The role of the Neighbourhood Board is:

To consider strategic issues facing Beacon Lough and Wrekenton and to prepare a 10-year Investment Plan for the area, which includes a long-term Vision Statement and a 4-year Investment Plan outlining where funding will be spent. The Investment Plan will be the subject of ongoing monitoring and review by the Board.
To engage with the local community and organisations on the preparation of the long-term Pride in Place Vision and Investment Plan, and subsequent projects and Investment Plan reviews.
To identify the evidence for the preparation and implementation of the Investment Plan and ensure such evidence is appropriately robust, current and inclusive.
To provide a local perspective and add value to develop project ideas, working with key partners, including Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council and other key stakeholders, and ensure that local community, business and voluntary groups are properly involved in all relevant areas of deliberation.
To take decisions on the funding of projects and ensure, working alongside the Accountable Body, the best use of resources and long-term community benefits from the investment. Any funding decisions by the Board will be delivered within robust and inclusive funding framework/s and guidance which will be published.
Working alongside the Accountable Body, to determine whether any local groups or organisations should receive funding, what the allocation should be and consider any applications from local groups or organisations for funding. Any funding decisions by the Board will be delivered within robust and inclusive funding framework/s and guidance which will be published on the Board's web site.
To receive and consider an annual budget statement and regular budget updates and, working alongside the Accountable Body, make any such adjustments as may be appropriate to the budget to ensure delivery within the funding available.
To agree to the brief for and appointment of any consultants.
To, in future years, appoint the Chair and future Board Members.
Consider any amendments to these Terms of Reference and governance arrangements as the need arises, in particular in response to any changes to the Government's requirements.
Establish any sub-groups as it feels appropriate, including the sub-groups governance arrangements.
To adhere to the Seven Principles of Public Life (the Nolan Principles).
To agree to a Communications and Engagement Plan and oversee the impact and evaluation of the Plan.

3. The Chair and Membership of the Neighbourhood Board

The Chair of the Neighbourhood Board is initially appointed and approved by the local MP and the Local Authority, and, thereafter, by the MP, Local Authority and Neighbourhood Board.

The Chair must be independent of any political organisation or grouping, including local 'Independents', and must not be an elected representative. The person specification for the Chair as set out by MHCLG is listed in full in Appendix One of these terms of reference.

The Chair will sit for an initial 4-year term, with a view to two further 3-year terms, unless they resign, at which point a new Chair will be appointed.

The Chair will be the lead contact between the Neighbourhood Board and Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council as the Accountable Body

They will chair the meetings in accordance with these Terms of Reference.

They will act as an advocate for the Neighbourhood Board, the programme and the local community.

A Deputy Chair will be appointed, who will deputise for them in their absence. The process for appointing a Deputy Chair will be as follows:

Board members interested in becoming Deputy Chair must submit an Expressions of Interest.
Expressions of interest will be sent to the Chair
Expressions of interest will be shared with the Board in advance of the next scheduled meeting of the Board
If there is more than one Expression of Interest the Board will be required to vote
The Board member with the highest number of votes will be appointed Deputy Chair

Other members of the Board must include:

The relevant and current local MP
One current Ward Councillor
Beacon Lough and Wrekenton residents

Other members of the Board may include:

Representatives from Community Groups
Representatives from Faith Groups
Local Charities
Youth Groups
Local Businesses
Cultural, arts, and heritage organisations
Sporting Organisations
Anchor institutions, such as local schools, college, and/or Integrated Care Board

If the MP or Ward Councillor is not re-elected during their term, they must step down from the Board.

The majority (at least 51%) of members should live or work within the boundaries of the neighbourhood, ensuring that the Board is resident led.

The number of members on the Board should be determined by the Board but optimally should be between 11 and 15. This number could be subject to change depending on the needs of the Board.

The Neighbourhood Board may establish sub-groups or task and finish groups if necessary to focus on the themes for investment or to facilitate wider engagement. In doing so, the Neighbourhood Board must agree on the purpose of the sub-group, its terms of reference and membership. Any sub-group will report to the Neighbourhood Board and any decision on recommendations of the sub-group will be made by the Neighbourhood Board only.

Board Members will serve an initial 4-year term, with a view to two further 3-year terms by agreement of the Board, Local Authority and MP.

Reasonable expenses will be available to support accessibility and attendance including funding for childcare, caring responsibilities and transport costs. These may be reimbursed in line with the Expenses and Allowances policy of the Accountable Body.

Meetings of the Neighbourhood Board will be attended by officers from the local council and may include officials from the Government's Local Area team or other Government representatives.

4. The Neighbourhood Board Governance Requirements

The Neighbourhood Board will meet at least quarterly, with the option to call additional meetings if required. The Chair will determine the Board meetings schedule.

In accordance with Government guidance, the Neighbourhood Board will publish (via Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council's website):

A documented decision-making process outlining the voting rights of the Board (these Terms of Reference will act as that document)
Profiles of the Board Members
All Board papers in advance of the Meeting within 5 working days
Draft minutes of meetings following the meeting within 10 working days
Final minutes, once approved by the board within 10 working days
A Register of Interests for all Board Members
Any relevant funding guidelines.
Full use of capacity funding, including amount of remuneration and / or expenses reimbursed, if applicable

Meetings will be held in person and may, in some circumstances, be open to the public to attend. The Board retains the right to hold closed meetings for any reason that the Chair and Board may deem appropriate. The Neighbourhood Board should decide whether to hold public meetings. In exceptional circumstances, meetings may be held by Teams or other on-line digital system.

The Neighbourhood Board will seek consensus, but in the event of a vote, each member of the Neighbourhood Board will hold equal voting rights, with the Chair holding a casting vote if necessary. Should the Deputy Chair be in the chair for any meeting where a casting vote is required, they shall have that authority in the absence of the Chair.

A meeting shall be deemed quorate if two-thirds of the Board members are in attendance and if either the Chair or Deputy Chair are also in attendance. If the Board meeting is not quorate, discussions may continue but no decisions may be taken other than to defer decisions to a future Board meeting.

There shall be no substitutions, except for representatives from Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council, who shall nominate a deputy member to ensure representation from the statutory authorities at all meetings.

Officers from the Council, and other statutory bodies will be present at the meetings to observe and contribute to the discussions, but they will not hold voting rights and will not count towards quorum.

The Neighbourhood Board may ask other community representatives or advisors to attend a meeting, where it is relevant for them to do so and to contribute to the discussion. Those representatives or advisors will not hold any voting rights.

All Board members shall sign up to a code of conduct based on the Seven Nolan Principles of Public Life. This code is set out in Appendix Two.

Board members must make a declaration of interest relating to matters on meeting agendas before the agenda item. Guidance on declarations of interest will be provided by Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council. If necessary, the Chair may ask a Board Member to either not take part in the discussion of a matter where an interest is declared or to excuse themselves from the meeting. Any Board Member who has a declared interest in any matter discussed by the Board will not have any voting rights on said matter.

The Council will hold a Register of Interest and record of any gifts or hospitality given or offered but declined to the Neighbourhood Board or individual Board Members.

Removal of a Neighbourhood Board member is a serious governance action that should be guided by clear, objective criteria to ensure fairness and transparency. Such decisions should be determined locally, however, grounds for removal may include:

Sustained poor attendance or lack of participation in Board meetings (e.g. absence for 3 consecutive meetings).
Conflict of interest not properly disclosed or managed.
Persistent failure to promote a culture of community involvement in line with the programme's guiding principles.
Evidenced failure to abide by the Nolan Principles.

Should a board member wish to resign, a written confirmation of their intent must be submitted to the Board who will then inform the Local Authority and MHCLG.

The Secretariat for the Neighbourhood Board could be provided by Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council.

5. The Accountable Body and Assurance Framework

Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council is the Accountable Body for the programme funding and will administer the funds in line with appropriate processes and controls.

The Council will provide an end of year report, annual budget report and quarterly budget statements to the Neighbourhood Board.

The Council will have to perform its own governance in relation to the Investment Plan and programme funding, in addition to engagement with the Board, to ensure compliance and as part of the assurance framework.

Programme Management and Secretariat support may be provided by the Local Authority and funded by the programme, to provide support to the Board and coordinate activity.

In accordance with the Government's Guidance, the Council's Section 151 Officer (the Strategic Director, Resources and Digital). will be required to submit an annual Statement to MHCLG. This will provide written confirmation that they have undertaken to actively apply all the necessary checks to ensure proper administration of its financial affairs regarding the funding programme, particularly in respect to financial administration and transparency of governance.

MHCLG can undertake a range of checks which the Council will be required to engage with and support this process.

The MHCLG's independent auditors will review checks completed by MHCLG as a third line of assurance on the overall MHCLG programme.

The Council will administer the Investment Fund in accordance with its Financial Regulations as set out in its Constitution.

6. Exclusions

The Neighbourhood Board will not:

Establish itself as a legal entity, in the initial two years of the programme, unless the Board becomes part of the Early Adopters programme
Directly hold funding or act as the delivery vehicle for funded projects.
Comment on or influence any planning or regulatory decisions of statutory body.
Act in the capacity as a planning policy authority and all plans, master plans or policy statement associated with the programme, will be approved by the local planning authority

Annex 1

Pride In Place Neighbourhood Board Chair: Role Description

Purpose of the role:
To deliver the Pride in Place Programme, Neighbourhood Boards are being set up in every funded neighbourhood across the country. Each Board will be led by an independent Chair - someone who can bring communities together to share their ideas in an open and collaborative way. The Chair's primary job is to be a champion for their place and to embody the community-led spirit of the programme. The Chair should have a deep connection to their area and can be new to this kind of work. What matters most is a commitment to seeing change through and improving the lives of those in their community.

The independent Chair is best when they act as a proactive, trustworthy convenor who:

Is deeply connected to their community and fiercely committed to making it an even better place to live.
Can bring together different voices from across their community, to shape a collective vision for the future of their place.
Has local credibility and will be respected as a leader - even if this is their first leadership role.
Ensures that all voices are heard and that Board discussions are collaborative.
Is adept at finding consensus, navigating conflict calmly and impartially, never allowing ego to get in the way of progress.
Brings together community groups and prioritises community engagement as a central pillar of the programme.
Is clear about their own knowledge gaps and considers how the makeup of the Board complements this.
Thinks laterally and creatively about solutions to problems and ways to draw in community voices.
Acts as a public face and represents the Board externally and brings figures of different political stripes together.

The Chair should not be:

A gatekeeper or clique-builder; the Board should have a range of voices, including ones that differ from the Chair's.
Seeking to push personal agendas - this is about what the community wants.
The only decision-maker or expert in the room.
The day-to-day delivery lead: this is a strategic post.

Skills and attributes of a good Chair:

Fair and balanced, ensuring that all voices are heard
Good at facilitating conversations, particularly when differences of opinion emerge
Open to learning, feedback and development, and an interest in mentoring and upskilling others
Welcoming, open and listens deeply to others
Calm under pressure and manages conflict well
Has time to prioritise the role

Annex 2

Code of Conduct for Board Members

Members are expected to adhere to the Seven Nolan Principles of Public Life. These principles, set out below, ensure that the Board members conduct themselves to the highest public standards.

The Seven Principles of Public Life

The Seven Principles of Public Life (also known as the Nolan Principles) apply to anyone who works as a public office-holder. This includes all those who are elected or appointed to public office, nationally and locally, and all people appointed to work in the Civil Service, local government, the police, courts and probation services, non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs), and in the health, education, social and care services. All public office-holders are both servants of the public and stewards of public resources. The principles also apply to all those in other sectors delivering public services.

Selflessness
Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.
Integrity
Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.
Objectivity
Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.
Accountability
Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.
Openness
Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.
Honesty
Holders of public office should be truthful.
Leadership
Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

Annex 3

Declaration of Interest

Members of the Neighbourhood Board must declare any interests which they consider could impact on decisions and their role on the Board as per the Declarations of Interest Policy.

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