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.