The East Chilterns Community Board met to discuss new ways of working, updates from the last few months, the Opportunity Bucks programme, and priorities for each of the wards. Action plans with timelines will be created for each priority to ensure effective delivery. The next meeting is scheduled for 4 March 2026.

Ward Priorities

Ross Tackley, Community Board Manager, introduced the new priorities for each of the following wards:

• Amersham and Chesham Bois
• Chesham North
• Chesham South
• Hazlemere
• The Missendens

Following the meeting, action plans will be developed for each priority, including timelines to ensure effective and manageable delivery.

A question was raised about how the Community Board could better engage with schools. The board indicated that it already has strong relationships with some local schools and will continue to build on these to improve engagement. It was also noted that the Deputy Service Director for the Board is also the Director for Education and may be able to offer support.

Another question concerned the coordination of priorities across the wards. The Community Board Manager explained that action plans would be created per priority, along with timelines, to ensure effective delivery.

The board confirmed that it had reached out to the rural parishes through Community Conversations with Parish Councils and community groups, with more planned throughout September.

Welcome and Introductions

Councillor Heather Wallace, opened the meeting and welcomed attendees to the first East Chilterns Community Board meeting. Each Buckinghamshire Councillor and Officer introduced themselves. Ross Tackley, Community Board Manager, discussed the new ways of working for the Community Board.

Opportunity Bucks Update

Kara Byrne from Opportunity Bucks provided an update on the Opportunity Bucks programme and explained the inclusion of the Chesham Wards. Opportunity Bucks is a Buckinghamshire Council programme that aims to improve social mobility and address inequalities across the county.¹