Chairperson selected to lead the Hartcliffe Pride in Place programme

After a competitive application process, Paul Smith, former local councillor for Whitchurch Park and Elim Housing’s Chief Executive, has been selected as chairperson for the Hartcliffe Pride in Place programme.

Smith will play a key role working with residents to drive forward the delivery of the scheme, which will see up to £20 million invested in the area, bringing about changes that matter to residents.

In his capacity as chairperson, Smith will advocate for the interests, needs, and goals of the Hartcliffe community, facilitate the formation of a Neighbourhood Board, and contribute to the creation of a strategic vision and investment plan for the local area.

Smith brings a wealth of experience and insight to the role, with a long career in both the housing and charitable sectors in Bristol and at the national level. He grew up in Hartcliffe and was a councillor there for 11 years.

The application and selection process for the position was co-created with residents from the community. Local people were also part of the interview panel alongside Councillor Heather Mack, Deputy Leader of Bristol City Council and Karin Smyth MP.

Paul Smith, Chairperson of the Hartcliffe Pride in Place Programme, said:

It is a great honour to be selected to work alongside local residents to generate the best possible outcomes for the area. Pride in Place is an important foundation to build upon to bring more resources into Hartcliffe and to transfer more power to local people. I also have the support of my employer, Places For People, to ensure I have the time and assistance to fulfil the role.

The chairperson is independent of Bristol City Council and will be accountable to the Neighbourhood Board.

Hartcliffe was announced in October 2025 as one of the 25 trailblazer neighbourhoods across the UK to be awarded up to £20 million in funding over the next decade through the UK Government’s new Pride in Place Programme.

The Pride in Place Programme seeks to bring together local residents, the council, businesses, community organisations and political leaders to unlock new powers to build stronger communities, create thriving places and empower people to make their own decisions and take control of renewal in their neighbourhoods.

Applications for the Neighbourhood Board will open in May. To find out more about the programme and how to get involved, visit the council’s website.