Agenda item

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT

Ahmad, Zakir

CEO, Yuvanis Foundation

Ashraf, Kashif

Oldham President, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

Chamberlain, Chris

Chief Executive, Oldham RLFC Foundation

Chapman, Suzy

Employer Relationship and Business Development Manager, Oldham College

Dolby, Gemma

Head of Tenancy and Neighbourhoods

,First Choice Homes

Drake, Rebecca

Director, Full Circle NW

Lockwood, Stuart

Chief Executive, Oldham Community Leisure

Mahmood, Aisha

Director, Clear Watch Security

McLaren, Colin (Vice-Chair)

(Chaired meeting)

Chair, Chadderton Together

Taylor, Catherine

Oldham Partnership Manager,

Department for Work and Pensions

DEPUTIES PRESENT

Whitehead, Amie

Greater Manchester Police

OTHERS PRESENT

Consterdine, Neil

Director of Communities, Oldham Council

Edwards, Eve

Pride in Place Manager, Oldham Council

Newton, Tom (Minutes)

Place Making Officer, Oldham Council

Park, Olivia

Delivery Manager, Pride in Place, MCHLG

APOLOGIES RECEIVED

Charlesworth, Cara

(Deputy Sent)

Superintendent Operations Oldham, Great Manchester Police

McMahon OBE, Jim

Member of Parliament for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton

Windsor-Welsh, Laura (Chair)

Oldham Director, Action Together

1. Welcome and housekeeping (Chair)

LWW sent apologies, CM to chair the meeting.  NC to take over chairing the meeting in any items CM has conflicts of interest.

Housekeeping matters were covered, and new and returning members were welcomed.

2. Introductions and apologies for absence (Chair)

Introductions were made and apologies noted.

3. Notice of any urgent business to be accepted onto the agenda and reasons for that urgency (Chair)

None.

4. Procedural business and any items accepted as urgent business (Chair)

i) Declarations of interest

As identified in agenda item 1.  CM to step out of the room for item 10 and item 12.1.  The agenda will be re-ordered to allow for CM to step out of the room for both conversations to take place back-to-back.

ii) Review of minutes and action updates from last meeting

The minutes dated 25^th June 2026 were approved as a true record and approved for publication online at oldham.gov.uk

Completed actions were discussed and the following actions were carried forward:

ACTION: Businesses on the Board to work up a detailed proposal for the consideration of the owner of Chadderton precinct. 

ACTION Ensure queries from the AGM are added to future agendas as business for the board to discuss (see minutes)

ACTION Write to MHCLG to support request for releasing funding

ACTION Review precinct project looking at the dependencies, risks and issues

ACTION: Review terms of reference, delegated authority processes and conflict of interest arrangements as part of wider governance work.

5. Pride in Place Programme Staffing

To date there has been an interim staffing structure supporting Pride in Place.  Oldham now has 2 Pride in Place partnerships, Chadderton (West Oldham) and Alt & Holts (Central Oldham).  In total it is a £40 million investment across both areas which requires a programme team matched to the investment size.  The board paper outlines the planned programme support team structure working across both areas to share knowledge, skills and resource. As well as there being need for a project manager and further place making officer support, the CNB outlined from the offset that apprenticeships should be supported in the programme and, so, this paper outlines this too.  The apprenticeships should be locally appointed and will cover engagement, community development, and placemaking. The board noted the paper as received

6. Monitoring and Evaluation update

TN presented an update on the development of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) framework. Following the Monitoring and Evaluation framework approved in April the Board were informed that officers are exploring a shared Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning commission across both Chadderton and Alt & Holts Pride in Place programmes to secure a consistent approach, improve value for money and support learning across both areas. The proposal outlines that the commissioned learning partner would design an evaluation structure and provide the evaluation tools for each project partner to carry out.  The focus is to provide a consistent 10-year approach.

It was noted that the proposed approach was good and offered consistency and learning across both Pride in Place areas.

7. Engagement and Comms

7.1 Engagement Strategy for decision

TN presented the updated Engagement Strategy, outlining amendments made following board feedback in June. Key changes included strengthening guidance on when engagement should be undertaken, introducing clearer requirements around the use of existing insight and evidence, expanding consideration of youth voice and education providers, adding environmental sustainability considerations to project engagement planning, strengthening monitoring and evaluation arrangements, and introducing measures to avoid engagement activity operating in silos across programme themes. The Board welcomed the revisions and noted that the strategy had been strengthened because of the consultation process.  The board agreed by consensus to sign off the engagement strategy

7.2 Awareness Campaign

TN provided an update on the Pride in Place awareness campaign. Since the previous meeting, the programme branding and visual identity had been finalised, an expanded image library had been developed, and work has commenced with a videographer to create digital campaign assets. The Board received a presentation which outlined the proposed multi-channel communications approach, including social media, printed materials, newsletters, media activity, community outreach, partner networks and board member advocacy.   The upcoming awareness campaign will include a social media campaign and the distribution of flyers and posters. Board members were encouraged to support the campaign by sharing content through their networks and help increase awareness of the programme locally by distributing flyers and posters with their networks.

Wider campaign Ideas engaging local businesses were discussed, such as a window sticker scheme for local retail businesses and working with local industry to support prominent placed messages. 

ACTION KA to explore marketing opportunities with local businesses to support the awareness raising campaign.

The district centre precinct was identified as a busy place with digital screens.  It was highlighted that this had been considered by the programme team and ROI had been the deciding factor.

It was highlighted that as well as doing email-based newsletters – Whatsapp should also be used as it’s a powerful and quick way of connecting with communities.

ACTION TN to provide Whatsapp version of newsletter for community comms.

The board queried data sets and social handles.  It was explained that the programme  be utilising existing mailing lists and social media channels including council, west district pages, board members, and partners networks.  This is seen as a better approach for reaching people than starting from scratch.  The aim is to grow Chadderton Pride in Place mailing which will then act as a targeted email list to communicate Chadderton Pride in Place news, updates and engagement activity.  But currently, existing networks are the most effective way to engage residents and workers.

The programme team was invited to spend a day in the college to raise awareness. TN noted that this is a good idea and can form part of the outreach once the core marketing assets for the awareness campaign are up and running.

NC highlighted that the council is a partner Chadderton pride in place, not the sole deliverer– and  requested the board to consider how their organisations can lend some expertise in marketing. 

It was queried how the programme was engaging with schools and clarified that the outreach element of programme level work will include schools, this plan needs further development.   It was also noted that the outreach and engagement work which follows the initial awareness raising campaign will include strategies to include those not digitally active.

The board noted that the current image bank is very monocultural. The programme team agreed that the current image bank doesn’t reflect Chadderton’s diversity and asked board members of any upcoming events where further photography could be captured.  Becci Drake suggested More in Common event at the Crossley Centre on 27^th October. 

Action TN to liaise with Becci drake to arrange Photographer at community event.

8. Project updates

8.1 Foxdenton

CM delivered an update on progress at Foxdenton Hall and the wider Foxdenton Park project. Members were advised that development work continues towards a Stage Two Heritage Lottery Fund application, with architects, project managers and specialist consultants supporting the preparation of detailed plans. The update highlighted progress made by Chadderton Together over a number of years, including the successful restoration and operation of Lydia's Tearoom, the development of heritage and community activity proposals, and broader ambitions to improve facilities within Foxdenton Park. The Board noted that significant work remains to secure future funding and develop a sustainable programme of activities that will support the long-term future of the Hall and Park.

GMP highlighted that the Funding window for ARIS funding will be open in January.  Colin highlighted that an application Chadderton Together submitted was turned down.  It was clarified that this wasn’t down to the merit of their application but instead because the funding pot was withdrawn.  The ARIS funding was identified as an opportunity for Chadderton Together.  ARIS funding is made up of the confiscated proceeds of crime being reissued across GM.

SC highlighted that their students have taken part in social action projects such as building/maintaining flower beds, building benches.  Should Chadderton Together want to utilise their students to support projects.

8.2 Subcommittees

TN introduced the draft Subgroup Governance Framework. Members were advised that the subgroups will operate as advisory groups to support evidence gathering, stakeholder engagement and the development of recommendations for consideration by the Board. The framework clarified membership arrangements, reporting requirements, the role of CNB chair and the programme team, and the expectation that recommendations remain evidence-led and aligned to the objectives of the Pride in Place programme. The board noted the paper as received.

9. New Chadderton Partnership

Deferred until later in the agenda

10. Finance

TN noted that capacity budget spending should begin to increase in Q3&4 as mobilisation moves into activity.  Capital expenditure for community capital grants is moving through the council’s administration system.

11. Governance

11.1 Elected Members selection process

Deferred until later in the agenda

11.2 Skills audit

A skills audit will be circulated with the board to identify any potential learning opportunities which can support board members in their role on the Chadderton Neighbourhood Board.

Comfort Break

CM left the room.  NC takes on role of chair.

12.  Deferred Agenda item 9, New Chadderton Partnership

The board were presented with a summary of the New Chadderton Partnership with information shared about their status as a neighbourhood forum.  TN introduced a report outlining the role of the New Chadderton Partnership as the designated neighbourhood forum for Chadderton and summarised the purpose of neighbourhood planning. The Board was advised that whilst both organisations undertake engagement activity and share an interest in improving Chadderton, their core functions are distinct. The report outlined potential options for how the organisations could work together in future, ranging from a formal partnership arrangement through to maintaining an informal collaborative relationship.

The New Chadderton Partnership were recognised by the board as a passionate group of residents who want the very best for Chadderton.  The individuals leading the partnership are well respected as effective advocates and change-makers for the area.

It was stated that not working with NCP in any capacity is not a preferred option.   But working too closely with them risks project creep away from Pride in Place objectives.  The board acknowledged there is the potential of confusion from the publics point of view – and residents may not understand the difference between CNB and NCP.  The board was reminded that the decision should be focussed on the function that each organisation serves, and whether a partnership would benefit a shared objective.

Decision:  The Board decided to adopt Option 2 and maintain an informal collaborative relationship with the New Chadderton Partnership. The Board agreed that no formal governance relationship should be established, but that opportunities for collaboration should be explored where priorities align. Any requests for support would be considered on a case-by-case basis and would need to demonstrate a clear contribution to the objectives of the Regeneration Plan.  This will be reviewed in February.

13. Deferred item 12.1 Elected Members selection process

TN introduced a report outlining the progress of the elected member recruitment process to date. Members were reminded that the Board had previously agreed to recruit elected member representatives on a one-member-per ward basis, with designated position for each North, Central and South Chadderton. The Board noted that, following implementation of the ward-based elected member recruitment model previously approved by the Board, existing arrangements linked to representation by the Leader of the Council has ceased and the ward based elected member representation would now be determined through the agreed recruitment process.

A selection panel made up of CNB members reviewed expressions of interest. Each received was assessed against motivation, skills, experience and community insight.   A report presented a number of appointment options for the Board's consideration. A conversation took place debating these options.

Decision The board decided to appoint Eddie Moores as the North Chadderton representative and Rob Jackson as the South Chadderton representative. The Board noted that no applications had been received for the Central Chadderton position and agreed that an extension to the Expression of Interest process should take place. Acknowledging that the recruitment process took place over recess and during holiday season.  

In reaching the decision, the board considered the quality of the applications received from different members, whilst considering the importance of achieving political balance within the elected member positions. The Board agreed that political balance on CNB was a necessity.  Members agreed that the appointments reflected the two strongest applicants from different political groups.

NC thanked the board for their participation in a difficult discussion and decision.

14. Actions/Review next steps

Please refer to actions throughout the minutes

15. AOB

TN reminded board members to look out for the awareness campaign online and reshare and celebrate the programme.

16. Time and date of next meeting (Chair)

Future meetings will take place on Friday mornings to accommodate MP Jim McMahon’s constituency day.

Friday 27 November 10.00am – 12.30pm – Oldham College

MEETING CLOSED 12.05pm