Charlotte Dinsdale and Gary Hamilton have been appointed to oversee major new commitments to Park End and Thorntree.
Both areas will each see £20m of investment over the next 10 years as part of the government’s Pride in Place agenda.
Ms Dinsdale, the chief executive officer of Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation, and Mr Hamilton, a community leader with a background in local sport and youth work, were appointed following a competitive process.
They will now recruit a total of 12 local board members, six for each area, to help them lead plans for how to make best use of the investment.
Charlotte Dinsdale has more than a decade of experience across two stints at the football club’s charity arm and has a deep understanding of how health, wellbeing, education, social connection and community cohesion can transform lives.
She said: “By bringing together the most committed organisations, community groups and individuals we can make a real difference and have a positive impact on people’s lives.
“The MFC Foundation exists to inspire confidence and inspire hope. The foundation is rooted in the area. Our new headquarters at the Southlands Community and Sports Hub will be a real asset to East Middlesbrough and I’m excited for what the Pride in Place programme can achieve.
“Gary and I are determined to deliver for local people and I’m confident we will welcome others to the boards that will help us do just that.”
Gary Hamilton has lived in TS3 all his life, previously established Active Tees Valley and currently works for leisure operator Everyone Active. He has been involved in dozens of community projects including bringing buildings back into use and creating opportunities for young people.
He said: “I’ve never been shy of rolling up my sleeves and getting stuck in to help the people of my local area.
“The money coming our way gives us a proper chance to put projects together that can help boost Park End, Thorntree and the surrounding estates.
“I’m excited to work with Charlotte to make sure we make the most of this opportunity and I would urge local people to put themselves forward and get involved.” Neighbourhood Boards for both areas will be supported by Middlesbrough Council, councillors and the town’s MPs, but the boards and local communities will decide what to prioritise.
The funding from government can be spent on issues including housing, education, employment, health and wellbeing, transport and safety.
How to apply to join Neighbourhood Boards
People interested in helping to shape the future of Park End or Thorntree can submit a simple application.
Anyone who lives or runs a business in the areas, as well as those who are active in the communities, can apply. The co-chairs will select candidates for short, informal interviews before board members are chosen.
It’s expected selected board members would attend formal meetings alongside other events in their local area.
Travel expenses would be covered and although the Pride in Place programme is stated to last 10 years, that length of commitment isn’t required of all board members.
Anyone interested should email their name and full address to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. along with answers to the following questions:
- Why are you passionate about the future of your area (Park End or
Thorntree)?
- How would you work alongside other people to make improvements?
- What do you think the most important change your community needs is
and why?
Each of the three answers must be no longer than 250 words. Applications must be received by September 7 2026. All selected applicants will be subject to a full DBS check.
