Washington Pride in Place appoints chair

Washington Pride in Place has appointed Ruth Walker as chair of its programme board as it progresses a ten-year vision backed by £20 million of Government investment.

Ruth succeeds Ellen Thinnesen, who has stepped down to take up the national role of further education commissioner. 

The board was established to guide long-term regeneration plans after Washington secured funding under the Government’s Pride in Place programme.

The initiative aims to build thriving places, strengthen communities and empower residents, following widespread engagement across the town. 

Key priorities include improving safety, enhancing green spaces, revitalising villages and the town centre, and investing in youth and community support.

An experienced community and youth worker, Ruth currently leads a city-wide youth charity and will steer the board as it awaits feedback on its regeneration plan from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

She said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed new chair of the Washington Pride in Place programme board at such an exciting time, as we await feedback from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on our ambitious Investment Plan for the town.

“The plan has been shaped by thousands of people from across Washington who took part in surveys, focus groups, school activities, stakeholder discussions, and VCSE-led engagement over the summer and autumn, and it looks at what matters most to our residents.

“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views with us as part of this process and also the board and partner organisations involved, whose support and commitment has been critical in shaping a plan that reflects Washington’s aspirations and vision for the next ten years and beyond.

“I’m very much looking forward to chairing the board through this exciting next chapter in Washington’s future.”

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