Meet the Farnley East Pride in Place Board

Meet the Farnley East Pride in Place Board

Jo Gittins (Chair)

Jo has a strong connection to LS12 having grown up and now raising her own family there. At home, life is busy, lively, and full of character. Jo lives with her husband and daughter, along with two dogs, a rabbit, a small flock of backyard chickens, and an aviary of budgies - all of which keep her grounded. She enjoys the outdoors and spending time at her allotment.  

Professionally, Jo is a Director of an HR consultancy, leading on the business operations and marketing, alongside working with a wide range of client organisations as a board-level HR Business Partner. 

Jo is actively involved in community initiatives, including supporting the local food provision leading the Team Daniel youth group in Armley and is involved in various wider community organising. As Chair of Governors for the Dixons Academies in Leeds, she is dedicated to ensuring young people have the opportunity to thrive regardless of disadvantage, with a particular focus on neurodiversity, SEND and positive mental health. 

Neil Shackleton (Deputy Chair)

My professional journey at Greggs serves as a testament to my ability to build impactful initiatives from the ground up. As the Charity Coordinator, I didn’t just inherit a program; I pioneered a role that required vision, grit, and strategic scaling. What began as a local effort has flourished under my leadership into a robust network, where I now manage partnerships and logistics for over 50 schools. 

This experience has taught me how to turn a blank canvas into a thriving community asset. I understand the intricacies of resource allocation, the importance of measurable impact, and how to maintain the "human element" while managing large-scale operations. 

Christopher Balding (Deputy Chair)

Chris is the vicar of St John’s Church and the Parish of Wortley and Farnley, which includes the area of the Pride in Place funding. He has the cure of souls for all that live in this wonderful part of Leeds. Chris is passionate about seeing people flourish and be all that they were created to be.  

Chris is the Chair of Governors at Five Lanes Primary School and on the board of governors of another school in Harrogate.

Councillor Adrian McCluskey

Councillor Adrian McCluskey has been a Leeds City Councillor for Farnley and Wortley since 2023 and has lived in the ward for over 30 years. He serves on a number of council committees, including the Outer West Community Committee, Licensing Committee, and Scrutiny Boards. As a local elected representative, Adrian brings knowledge of local issues, community priorities, and the workings of local government. His long-standing connection to the area provides valuable insight into the needs and perspectives of residents across Farnley and Wortley.

Gareth Gilbert

Gareth Gilbert has lived in Farnley for 24 years with his wife and their two children, who grew up in the community. He is the Chairman and a Trustee of Farnley Falcons RLFC. Passionate about the area, Gareth believes Farnley is a great place to live and is committed to helping restore the strong community spirit that once defined the neighbourhood. As a member of the Pride in Place programme, he is working alongside fellow board members to bring people together and make a positive difference for the community.  

Heather Nicholson

Heather Nicholson is a long-term Farnley resident who has lived in the area for over 23 years and raised her family locally. As a Business Engagement and Relationships Officer with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, she brings extensive experience in partnership working, project development, policy, and programme delivery. Heather is passionate about inclusive community engagement and ensuring all voices are represented in decision-making. Drawing on both her professional expertise and lived experience as a local resident and parent, she is committed to supporting sustainable change, strengthening community connections, and helping shape a positive future for Farnley through the Pride in Place programme. 

Jenny Meehan

I have lived in LS12 for most of my life, returning here to bring up my family 15 years ago. I am involved with several local community groups, and I’m interested in building community and improving resources in this area. I have a background in NHS talking therapies, mental health and management and experience in community events and networking. I am excited to be involved with Pride in Place Farnley East. 

Kathryn Hunter

Hello I’m Kathryn, I am a mother of six, wife and also a kinship carer. I attend church regularly and I love the sense of community that we have there. My children attend local schools and clubs in the area. I also run my own Floral Workshop Business in the area to help people’s mental health and bring communities together. Growing up in a town like Farnley community was so important and helping one another was instilled in me from a young age.

When I moved to Farnley I quickly realised that it wasn’t like that round here anymore like it used to be, and I wanted to change that. I have had a big part in a lot of the events that have happened in the community through pride in place and I will continue to do so. I want to make Farnley a better place to live and an example for many other communities.

Mark Sewards MP

Mark Sewards MP has represented Leeds South West and Morley in Parliament since 2024, having previously served as a Leeds City Councillor for Farnley and Wortley. Born and raised locally, he has a background in education, having worked as a secondary school mathematics teacher and Head of Mathematics in Leeds. Mark also serves on the Education Select Committee and brings experience of both local government and national policymaking. As the area's Member of Parliament, he provides a link between local communities and Westminster, helping to represent the interests and priorities of residents across the constituency.

Martin Belica

Martin Belica is a committed local resident seeking to contribute as a Community Board Member for the Pride in Place programme. Drawing on extensive experience as a Construction Site Manager, he has developed strong skills in stakeholder engagement, communication, conflict resolution and decision-making. Accustomed to working within accountable and confidential governance structures, he values collaboration, transparency and achieving positive outcomes for all involved. His understanding of local needs, combined with professional experience managing projects that impact communities, gives him a practical perspective and a strong commitment to supporting the long-term success and wellbeing of the area.

Nikki Hawcroft

Nikki Hawcroft has worked in the Farnley area for the past six years and has lived in neighbouring Wortley all her life. She joined the board to help support local people, particularly the children she works with through her role. Nikki also volunteers as a leader with a Farnley-based Girlguiding unit and serves as a governor at The Farnley Academy. She lives with her husband, three children, and a variety of family pets. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and is a passionate Leeds Rhinos supporter, sharing her love of the club with her family. 

Peter Ward

Peter Ward has been a resident of Farnley since 2011 and is passionate about helping the neighbourhood reach its full potential. With previous experience as a Vice-Chair of Governors, he understands the importance of effective governance, accountability, and collaborative decision-making. Professionally, Peter is a Property and Facilities Manager for a global chemical distribution company, overseeing projects, budgets, contracts, and operational improvements across UK and Ireland sites. He brings strong analytical, problem-solving, and financial management skills, alongside a commitment to achieving lasting value and positive outcomes. Peter is keen to play an active role in shaping and improving his local community. 

Sharon Knott

Sharon Knott is a lifelong Farnley resident with a strong commitment to her community and its future. She serves as a Governor at Cobden Primary School and The Farnley Academy, specialising in SEND and safeguarding, with extensive experience in governance and strategic decision-making. Sharon successfully led the restoration of the local war memorial and continues to promote local heritage through voluntary work with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. A former Finance Manager and community development worker, she brings expertise in collaboration, accountability, and community engagement, alongside a passion for ensuring local people help shape Farnley’s future. 

Stephen Fowkes

Stephen Fowkes has worked in the local area since 2016, supporting children, young people, and families. As Assistant Vice Principal and Safeguarding Lead at Dixons Unity Academy, he has extensive experience working with vulnerable young people and a strong understanding of the challenges facing local communities. Prior to moving to Leeds, Stephen led community programmes at Nottingham College, helping young people and families access support services and strengthen community cohesion. He brings valuable expertise in safeguarding, inclusion, and community engagement, alongside a commitment to improving opportunities and outcomes for local residents.