Councillor Champions exist to
provide a voice for traditionally underrepresented groups, or issues which need
to be kept at the forefront of Council business although they may not be the
responsibility of any individual or Committee.
Councillor Champions, (sometimes called Lead Members or Member
Champions) in addition to their other Council responsibilities make sure that
the issue or group that they are championing are taken into account when
Council policy is being developed and decisions are made.
Councillors can act as champions in a number of areas such as Anti Poverty, Biodiversity, Children, Equalities, Health
Improvement, Homelessness, Member Support & Development, Older People,
Scrutiny and Young People. This list is not exhaustive.
Councillor Champions are appointed by the Leader of the Council.
Typically, the Councillor Champion will:
· Make
sure that their area of interest is taken into account when developing policy
or making decisions;
· Ask
questions about performance and resourcing for the area;
· Raise
the profile of the area and make the authority aware of good practice;
· Engage
with external bodies who work in the area;
· Engage
with other officers and members in relation to the role;
· Engage
with community groups with an interest / stake in the area;
· Report
action to the Councillors via Council, other relevant body or electronically.