Independent Chair appointed to lead £30m transformation of South Telford
The Reverend Jo Farnworth has been appointed as the independent Chair of the Pride in Place South Telford Neighbourhood Board, marking a key milestone in a ten-year regeneration project for the area.
A major milestone has been reached in the ambitious ten-year regeneration of South Telford with the official appointment of The Reverend Jo Farnworth as the independent Chair of the Pride in Place South Telford Neighbourhood Board.
Announced by Telford & Wrekin Council, the appointment signals the start of a transformative £30 million journey for the communities of Woodside, Brookside, and Sutton Hill.
The programme is underpinned by £20 million of Government investment, which has been further bolstered by an additional £10 million from Telford & Wrekin Council. This funding is intended to deliver both immediate, visible improvements to the local area and sustainable, long-term regeneration. Crucially, the initiative is designed to be led by the residents themselves, ensuring that the future of these neighbourhoods is shaped by those who live in them.
The Reverend Jo Farnworth brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent more than 27 years supporting communities navigating complex social and economic challenges. Currently active in central and south Telford, and with a professional history in Greater Manchester, she has a proven track record of fostering partnerships and ensuring that the voices of residents are heard by statutory agencies and voluntary organisations alike.
Speaking on her appointment, Independent Chair Jo Farnworth said:
“I am honoured to serve as Chair of the Pride in Place South Telford Neighbourhood Board. This voluntary role aligns closely with my values, my professional experience, and my commitment to Telford as the place where I now live, work and serve.
"Having spent my career working alongside communities facing significant challenges, I know how powerful it is when residents are genuinely listened to and treated as partners in shaping their future. I look forward to working collaboratively with residents, local partners and organisations to help build stronger, healthier and more hope-filled neighbourhoods.
"The opportunity to help guide long-term change across South Telford is a responsibility I take seriously, and I am committed to ensuring this programme delivers real, lasting benefit for the communities it is designed to serve.”
The Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, Councillor Lee Carter, expressed high expectations for the programme under this new leadership. He noted the high calibre of all applicants and encouraged those who were not selected for the Chair position to apply for upcoming Board roles.
Councillor Lee Carter said:
“I want to warmly congratulate Jo Farnworth on her appointment as the independent Chair of the Pride in Place South Telford Neighbourhood Board. We are honoured to have someone of such extensive experience and standing take on this role. Jo brings a depth of insight, leadership and community understanding that will be invaluable as we embark on this ambitious programme.
"I would also like to thank all the candidates who applied. The calibre of applicants was exceptionally high, and their passion and commitment were clear. We strongly encourage them to apply for the forthcoming Board positions, where their skills, lived experience and community knowledge will play an important part in supporting Jo and shaping the work ahead.
"We look forward to working together to deliver real, long-term change for South Telford and to build a stronger, more hopeful future for our communities.”
Shaun Davies MP, Member of Parliament for Telford, also welcomed the news, highlighting that the competitive nature of the recruitment process reflected the deep sense of local pride in the area.
Shaun Davies MP said:
“I’m really pleased to see Jo Farnworth appointed to this role following a competitive process. The number of people who applied to be Independent Chair shows just how much pride there is in South Telford and is one example of how much good will is there, for this project to succeed.
"Jo Farnworth brings not only the right experience, but the passion to help drive this forward for our community. This role is about bringing local people and organisations together, so the project stays focused on what really matters to residents. It’s an important step to what really matters – delivering the change and improvements that residents in South Telford tell us they want.”
The appointment marks the beginning of a recruitment drive for the Neighbourhood Board itself. The council is seeking a diverse range of members, including local residents, business owners, school representatives, and health partners. Once formed, this Board will be responsible for co-designing the ten-year Pride in Place Plan and overseeing early projects.
Woodside is one of the first areas in the country to participate in this national initiative. The plan gained significant momentum in September 2025, when Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Communities Secretary Steve Reed MP visited the area to announce the investment. The council is now also searching for a Pride in Neighbourhood programme lead to manage the delivery of the project alongside the Board.
