AN initiative to transform lives by investing up to £20m in Darlington’s most disadvantaged communities has been enriched with four new board members.

Pride in Place was officially launched last month to give local people the opportunity to decide how the Government funding is spent.

The initiative is principally aimed at making a significant difference to the lives of people in Skerne Park, Red Hall, Bank Top, Northgate and Branksome, while also having an impact on the wider Darlington community.

An already experienced board of community leaders has now been joined by four new members: Helen Howson, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Darlington, Redcar and Cleveland; Jamie Smith, Managing Director of ProFab Engineering Ltd; Alex Windle, Chief Executive of Darlington Building Society; and Nigel Alderson, long-serving Darlington butcher.

Helen has a wealth of experience in Darlington’s voluntary and community sector, linking public services, local businesses and grassroots charities. She has managed projects such as the Household Support Fund and the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

“Together, we can ensure local investments remain transparent, equitable, and capable of building a safer, stronger and more economically inclusive Darlington for everyone,” said Helen.

Alex Windle joined Darlington Building Society as CEO earlier this year, looking to build on the organisation’s 170-year history at the heart of the local community.

During a career spanning three decades, Alex has invaluable experience in consumer and financial services.

Following an early career in commercial, marketing and strategy roles at Vodafone, he served as UK Marketing Director, first at LG Electronics and then BP PLC. That led to him becoming BP’s Global Retail Product Director, leading worldwide marketing and digital strategy, and product management.

Alex joined financial services in 2016 as part of Cumberland Building Society, later becoming Chief Customer Officer and then Chief Transformation Officer. Before joining Darlington Building Society, he served as Chief Customer Officer of West Brom Building Society.

He said: “I am passionate about supporting the long-term prosperity and wellbeing of the communities we serve. Darlington has a proud heritage, strong civic spirit, and significant potential for future growth, and I am keen to play a more direct role in helping shape that future through the Pride in Place initiative.”

Before joining ProFab Engineering Ltd, Jamie Smith was Assistant Principal at UTC South Durham, a STEM-focused School and Sixth Form based on Aycliffe Business Park.

As well as a wide range of skills in project management, development and design, he is also an active committee member of the Darlington RA Sports and Social Club.

“I am passionate about my town and I want Darlington to be the best possible place to live and work,” said Jamie.

Nigel Alderson has owned and managed a successful family butcher’s business for 35 years, employing 14 people in Cockerton. He has also been actively involved in community projects, including the delivery of Cockerton’s war memorial. He serves as treasurer of the Cockerton Community and Business Group.

“I believe local people should have a genuine voice in how investment is directed within their communities,” said Nigel. “Decisions are strongest when they are informed by people who understand the needs, aspirations and challenges of the areas they represent.”

David Gartland, chair of the Pride in Place board and CEO of Darlington College, welcomed the new board members.

“We are extremely fortunate to have a board made up of people who are embedded in the local community and bring a wide range of skills and experience. The addition of Helen, Alex, Jamie and Nigel enriches that invaluable mix of passion, commitment and knowledge, and we are thrilled that they will be playing a part in this crucial initiative,” said David.