Responsibilities

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.