Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a new Chair to lead the Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath Neighbourhood Forum (Forum), following the retirement of our current Chair.
This is a pivotal time for the Knowle, Dorridge & Bentley Heath (KDBH) area, with the prospect of circa 2,000 new homes in the planning stages for development in the green belt around us. So this role is an opportunity to help shape the future and preserve the character of the KDBH area.
What is the Forum?
The Forum is an independent body (non-political). It is recognised in planning terms (unlike other community groups), and so plays a vital role in planning decisions and the shaping of new development within KDBH, through the policies in the Neighbourhood Plan, which sets
out the vision for the area. The Forum also has an important role in the allocation by the Council of NCIL funding on community projects with the area.
The Forum team consists of a group of volunteers with a great mix of skills, but all with a common goal to preserve the character of the KDBH area, to ensure it continues to be a great place to live, work and play for both residents and the businesses based in the area.
What is the role of Chair?
The Forum is looking for someone who lives (or works) in and is passionate about the KDBH area; who can provide leadership and strategic direction to the Forum; who can help continue to foster strong relationships the Forum already has with key stakeholders, with the
aim of ensuring the voice of our community is heard and respected.
It is a volunteer role, for which the Chair would on average be expected to spend around 10 hours per month, including evening meetings and some community events. Some periods (e.g. major planning consultations) may require greater availability.
No specific planning experience is needed, as the Forum team has a strong planning sub-team with significant expertise. The current team also cover the main skills needed in the running of the Forum e.g. governance, finance, IT and communications and the Forum also
receives funding via the Council, so no fund raising is required.
Next Steps?
More information about the work of the Forum can be found on our website.
If you are passionate about where you live (or work) and have the experience, energy, drive and skills to chair the Forum team or wish to explore the role in more detail, then please contact the KDBH Forum by email: kdbhforum@gmail.com