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.