Pride in Place
News
Head of Inclusive Communities, Ruby Sant, announced co-chair of Twerton and Whiteway Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board
Thursday, 21 May, 2026Ruby Sant, Head of Inclusive Communities at Bath Spa University and co-director of Little Lost Robot CIC, has been appointed co-chair of the Twerton and Whiteway Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board. Ruby will serve alongside award-winning director Joy Luxford to help guide a £20 million programme of investment into the area over the next decade.
The government-backed Pride in Place programme will support community-led improvements across Twerton and Whiteway, with local residents helping to shape priorities and long-term plans for the neighbourhood. Ruby’s appointment aptly reflects BSU’s ongoing commitment to inclusive growth across the region.
Playing a leading role in developing community-focused creative initiatives in Bath and North East Somerset, Ruby is bringing extensive experience in inclusive engagement to her new role as Chair. Creating spaces such as Creative Twerton community studios, and opportunities for those whose voices are so often underrepresented, Ruby has championed projects that connect students, artists and the local community throughout her time at BSU.
Speaking about the appointment to the Bath and North East Somerset Newsroom, Ruby said:
“I am delighted to be able to support the community to develop and deliver change making projects over the next two years and beyond. Joy and I strongly believe in the skills, passion and knowledge that is held by local people. We will be looking to build on this and leverage it to create generational, ambitious change.”
With a strong track record of supporting social inclusion, BSU’s values are underpinned by Ruby’s work, furthering community partnership and creative innovation across the South West. BSU is considered sector-leading in its inclusive approach to higher education, with nearly one-third of entrants, 2020-21, identifying as disabled or neurodiverse. In 2023, the University was named The Sunday Times University of the Year for Social Inclusion in recognition of its work in widening participation and its success in creating opportunities for learners from all backgrounds.
Moving forward, the newly formed Neighbourhood Board, to be appointed by Ruby and Joy, will work closely with residents and local organisations to co-develop a Pride in Place Plan, setting out a shared vision for Twerton and Whiteway and outlining how funding will be used to deliver lasting social and economic impact. The plan will be submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for assessment and approval this November.
To find out more about Ruby’s work at BSU and beyond, visit BSU News and follow Little Lost Robot CIC on Instagram.