What are they?
The Council appoints Councillors to “champion” certain interests within the Council and in the community.
(This Member Champion page is currently under revision and will be completed shortly.)
What do they do?
"Champions” generally DO NOT have decision making powers. They are primarily to advocate the needs of the particular interest.
How do they work?
The “Champion”
· needs an up to date understanding of Council and partner issues affecting their "interest"
· needs an authoritative basis on which to speak about relevant issues outside of the Council (a basis that does not imply leadership nor impinge on the Cabinet Member role and accountability)
· cannot commit the Council
· will work to promote their "interest" within and with the community
· will advise Officers and Members
· cannot work outside the political management or executive arrangements
· should not be a media contact
To perform their role effectively, the "Champion"
· should be regularly briefed by relevant Officers
· will use the Executive Forward Plan as a consultation tool on relevant planned decisions
· should be facilitated in seeking co-operative working with the relevant Cabinet Member and Overview and Scrutiny Panel Chair(s) and have a right of non-voting attendance to learn/advise at Panel meetings
· should/could be a nominated Council representative on a relevant outside body
· have attendance rights at key interest conferences
· must work through / report back through a nominated lead Director
Officers are advised to consider these principles when they conduct dialogue with Cabinet Members or Overview and Scrutiny Chairs. It does not imply that there is a right of attendance by the “Champion” during such discussions but, given the role vested in them by the Council, there are certain expectations on the “Champion” about being “kept in the loop” on relevant issues.