Our Governance
Thames Ward Community Project (TWCP) is a project, funded by the Lottery from October 2017 - 2024, tasked with creating a resident-led Community Development Trust (CDT) and a community hub.
Since it first began TWCP has been supported by Riverside School, as accountable body, whilst steps were taken to set up a resident steering group that would go on to create a CDT and serve as trustees. In the summer of 2018 we convened our first steering group meeting and currently have 17 residents who meet collectively to oversee policy, engage with stakeholders, plan events and review strategic direction. Each steering group member plays a leadership role on one of our thematic Citizen Action Groups – Arts & Culture, Environment & Blue-Green Spaces, Health & Wellbeing, Housing & Growth, Skills & Enterprise.
We have also set up wider advisory groups including our Founders and Guardians meetings, led by the original TWCP founders – Margaret Hodge MP, Andy Roberts (Headteacher) and Tricia Zipfel MBE, with participation from Cllr Cameron Geddes (LBBD Cabinet member for Housing) and Barking Riverside Ltd.
In April 2021, TWCP was successful in applying for 3-year continuation funding from the Lottery.
Our long-term vision is a Charitable Development Trust (CDT) that is financially secure; dependent upon a diverse variety of revenue streams, and sustainable. We envisage establishing a community hub that will provide a place for residents in Thames Ward to socialise, engage with local projects and access services. We also hope to have a lead role in place shaping and developing social businesses, an opportunity that will develop local skills and connections.
