Ramsgate Neighbourhood Board appoints Chair to lead town’s transformation

Published on behalf of the Ramsgate Neighbourhood Board

Following an open recruitment process, the Ramsgate Neighbourhood Board is very pleased to announce the appointment of Bernie Morgan as its new independent Chair.

A long-term Ramsgate resident with a distinguished career in senior leadership across the national and local non-profit sectors, Bernie brings a wealth of experience in strategic development, governance, and £multi-million fundraising. Her appointment marks a pivotal moment for the Ramsgate Pride in Place programme, as it moves from vision to sustainable, long-term delivery.

The recruitment was overseen by a dedicated panel including the Leader of Thanet District Council, the MP for East Thanet and Interim Ramsgate Neighbourhood Board Chair, ensuring the Board is led by a chairperson with the independence and expertise required to steward significant public investment.

A vision for Ramsgate

Speaking on her appointment, Bernie Morgan expressed her commitment to her home town:

Speaking on her appointment, Bernie Morgan expressed her commitment to her home town:

“I am excited to have secured this post. Having lived in Ramsgate for over 18 years, I know this town is full of people with the passion and ideas to make positive change happen. After a career at senior board level, I want to bring everything I have learned to make a sustainable transformation here.

“My priority is to ensure that the £20 million investment – and the potential for more – is managed with rigour and creativity. I believe in the power of ‘joining up’ our efforts across safety, economic diversity, and health. We are at a pivotal moment in Ramsgate’s history, and I am confident that, by all working together, we can move decisively from striving to thriving.”

Endorsement from the recruitment panel

The recruitment panel highlighted Morgan’s unique dual perspective as both a successful fundraiser and an experienced investor with bodies such as BBC Children in Need and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

Cllr Rick Everitt, Leader of Thanet District Council and Board member added: 

“We are delighted to endorse Bernie’s appointment. Her expertise in navigating complex stakeholder relationships and her ‘vision-first’ approach to decision-making will ensure that the Pride in Place programme remains focused and impactful. Bernie brings the professional rigour of a national leader combined with the authentic passion of a local volunteer. She is uniquely placed to ensure this funding delivers visible, lasting results for the people of Ramsgate.

“I would also like to publicly thank Brian Horton who, as Interim Chair, supported the Board through the development of the Ten Year Vision and the Regeneration Plan, which were successfully submitted to central government. We appreciated his professionalism, commitment and integrity.”

Polly Billington, MP for East Thanet and Board member said:

“Bernie is exactly the kind of grounded, high-calibre leader Ramsgate needs right now. What stood out to the panel was not just her formidable track record in community finance and governance, but her connection to this town. She understands that for regeneration to work, it must be built on trust and the ‘lived experience’ of our residents. I am confident that under her chairing, the Board will be a powerful advocate for every corner of our community.”

About the Ramsgate Pride in Place Board

The Ramsgate Pride in Place Board is tasked with overseeing a strategic framework designed to enhance the town through a ‘system of change’. By focusing on cleaning, opening, lighting, and joining up the town’s assets, the Board aims to foster economic opportunity and civic pride. Under Morgan’s leadership, the Board will continue to ensure the Ramsgate community is not only at the heart of programme engagement, but will design and develop new opportunities together.

Further information on the Pride in Place Programme and the Neighbourhood Board is available on the Thanet District Council website.