Active Lincolnshire is proud to share that our Chief Executive, Emma Tatlow, has been appointed as the new permanent Chair of the Boston Neighbourhood Board – an important milestone for the town and its communities.

Emma takes on this leadership role as the Board enters a crucial delivery phase of the £20 million, government-funded Pride in Place programme. Her appointment reflects a strong commitment to collaborative working, inclusive decision-making and ensuring that local voices shape the future of Boston.

With extensive leadership experience and a deep understanding of communities, Emma will guide the Board’s work to ensure that investment translates into meaningful, long-term impact for residents, businesses and local organisations. Emma’s role as Chair complements the work that she is heading up through Active Lincolnshire to invest in and support communities of Boston to lead healthier, more active lives.

Emma said:

"I am thrilled to be the new Chair for Boston Neighbourhood Board, and I am excited about the opportunity to work collaboratively to make a long-term, meaningful difference to the lives of people in Boston.

I have a personal commitment to equality in decision making, community leadership, and working together and I will bring these values to my role as Chair.

I am keen to connect with partners and other community organisations to achieve goals in a joined-up way, and I am passionate about ensuring local people are at the heart of everything we do.

I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Claire for the brilliant way she has led the Board in the interim. I look forward to getting started as Chair, and working with board members and officers."

Emma succeeds interim Chair Claire Foster, who has played a key role in shaping the Board’s early progress and securing government endorsement for the four-year investment plan. Claire will continue to contribute as a Board member while leading work to develop Boston’s first Cultural Compact.

Claire Foster commented:

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Interim Chair and I have been pleased to step into this role temporarily over the last few months. It has been great to lead such a fantastic group of committed board members to develop the Pride in Place programme for Boston.

Having successfully received government approval of the plan earlier this year, we are now at an important point for the programme as the focus moves from planning to delivery.

I would like to wish Emma the very best as Chair, and I will continue to support her and work together with my fellow board members.

As a Boston Neighbourhood Board member, and in my new role heading up the Cultural Compact, I will continue to work to make a difference for the town.”

Local leaders have welcomed the appointment and highlighted the significance of this next stage for Boston.

Councillor Dale Broughton, Leader of Boston Borough Council, said:

“I’m delighted to welcome Emma to this important role, where I’m confident that her excellent leadership skills and knowledge and passion for Boston can help to make a real difference. Thank you also to Claire for her important foundation work and constant professionalism and dedication in her time as Interim Chair.

We will continue to work closely with the Neighbourhood Board and our other partners to ensure that the Pride in Place investment delivers real, lasting benefits for Boston and its residents, keeping local people at its heart as we move into the crucial delivery phase.”

Richard Tice, MP for Boston and Skegness added:

"Emma brings a wealth of leadership experience, a strong track record of working with communities, and a genuine passion for helping people thrive. These qualities will be invaluable as the Board moves into the next phase of delivering the Pride in Place programme.

This £20 million investment presents a significant opportunity to make a lasting difference across Boston, and it is vital that local people remain at the heart of decision making. I am confident that Emma will provide the leadership needed to ensure the programme delivers meaningful benefits for residents, businesses and community organisations across the town.

I would also like to thank Claire Foster for her outstanding contribution as Interim Chair and for the commitment and dedication she has shown in helping to establish strong foundations for the Board’s work.

Emma’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment, as the Board moves from planning into delivery – working in partnership with organisations across sectors to ensure that investment results in lasting, positive change for Boston and its people.