Member champions appointed at Forest of Dean District Council
Forest of Dean District Council has 8 new Member Champions to work collaboratively with officers and support residents and community groups and partners across the statutory and voluntary sector on things that impact our community.
Leader of Forest of Dean District Council, Cllr Adrian Birch said:
“The Member Champions are incredibly important to the Council and provide a fantastic link between officers, councillors, and those across the Forest supporting great work for their communities.
“Engagement is one of the Council’s key priorities and by having Member Champions in place, we're working together so that the voices of partners, residents and local groups are heard for the betterment of our communities.
“There are now 8 member champions in place, working with a variety of different groups, and I look forward to learning more about the incredible work being developed as we progress.”
The 8 Member Champions will sit within the Thriving Communities portfolio with Cabinet Member, Cllr Jackie Dale and provide a link across a variety of different subjects, working with officers at the Council but will also be connected to a network of groups and people with skills in their field. Together they are working to assist and support communities across the Forest.
Cllr Jackie Dale, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities said:
“Our Member Champions play a vital role in bringing together knowledge, experience, and community voices. By connecting with local groups and networks, they help ensure we’re making informed decisions that reflect the real needs of people across the Forest.
"We’re really pleased to see councillors from all parties working together in these roles, showing how cross-party collaboration can make a real difference for our communities.
"I’d also like to thank the members for stepping up to take on these important roles and for their commitment to supporting our communities.”
The current Member Champions appointed at Forest of Dean District Council are as follows:
- Armed Forces Champion: Cllr Alan Preest
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and the Voice of the Seldom Heard Champion: Cllr Trevor Roach
- Community Wellbeing – Supporting Young People Champion: Cllr David Wheeler
- Live Longer Better Champion: Cllr Beth Llewellyn
- Financial Inclusion and Advice Services Champion: Cllr Di Martin
- Retrofit Champion: Cllr Allison Bruce
- River Water Quality Champion: Cllr Andrew McDermid
- Active Travel Champion: Cllr Richard Burton
Full information on the Forest of Dean District Council Member Champions and each of their portfolios can be found at the following link: https://www.fdean.gov.uk/about-the-council/councillors-and-committees/member-champions/