University of Brighton Vice-Chancellor to help shape Whitehawk’s transformation

Whitehawk has been selected to participate in the government's Pride in Place programme, which could bring up to £20 million of investment to the area over the next decade. The programme will be led by a neighbourhood board made up largely of local residents and people connected to Whitehawk, with responsibility for developing a long-term vision and investment plan for the community.

Professor Whitehead joins the Board with a deeply personal understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing communities like Whitehawk. Growing up on housing estates in the north-east of England, she experienced first-hand the barriers created by deprivation, health inequalities and limited access to opportunity.

The first person in her family to attend university, Professor Whitehead credits higher education with changing the course of her life and has built a career dedicated to widening participation, challenging injustice and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities.

As Vice-Chancellor, Professor Whitehead leads the University of Brighton, an institution with a strong civic mission and a longstanding commitment to supporting people from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds. The university plays a significant role as an anchor institution across Brighton & Hove and the Sussex region, helping to drive social mobility, skills development and community prosperity.

Donna Whitehead, Vice Chancellor

Professor Whitehead said: "I am honoured to take on this role and support the Whitehawk community in shaping its future.

"Growing up in a community that shared many of the same challenges and strengths as Whitehawk, I know how important it is that local people have the opportunity to shape the decisions that affect their lives.

"There is enormous talent, resilience and ambition within Whitehawk. My own life has taught me that while talent is everywhere, opportunity is not. The Pride in Place programme gives us a unique chance to help ensure that opportunity matches the talent that already exists in this community.

"As a proud resident of Brighton, I am passionate about using my experience and position to support the city and its people. This investment represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Whitehawk, and I am committed to helping ensure it delivers meaningful and lasting change."

Professor Whitehead will serve alongside fellow Co-Chair Kane Louis, founder and co-director of Brighton-based PAYPR Org, which supports vulnerable and at-risk young people through mentoring, personal development and community engagement programmes. Having previously played professional football with Brighton & Hove Albion and Whitehawk FC, and having worked extensively across youth and community sectors, he has built a strong reputation for helping young people improve confidence, wellbeing and life outcomes.

The appointment of the Co-Chairs was announced by Chris Ward, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven. He said: "I’m delighted that Kane and Donna will serve as Co-Chairs of the Whitehawk Pride in Place Board.

"Whitehawk is a brilliant community with enormous strengths, pride and potential. But it needs more investment, and outstanding leaders who share a commitment to opportunity, inclusion and positive change.

"Kane has dedicated years to supporting young people and families across our city, particularly those facing significant challenges. He understands Whitehawk, its people and its aspirations.

"Donna brings a wealth of experience leading major institutions and championing social mobility. As Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring education and opportunity are accessible to everyone, regardless of background.

"Together, they will provide exceptional leadership as we work with residents and local partners to build on Whitehawk's strengths and create lasting opportunities for future generations."

The Whitehawk Pride in Place programme is a community-led initiative supported by Brighton & Hove City Council and funded through the UK Government's Pride in Place programme. It is designed to put local people at the centre of decision-making, ensuring that investment reflects the priorities of the community.

Potential projects could include improvements to green spaces, community facilities, local services and initiatives that create long-term social and economic benefits for Whitehawk.