Member Champions

Role of Member Champions

The role of Member Champions complements the responsibilities of Portfolio Holders, and other elected Members with designated responsibilities.

Each Member Champion keeps a focus on their area of responsibility by:

  • Raising the profile of the issue and showing the communities of East Devon the Council's commitment to the issue.
  • Fostering the engagement of a wider range of Members in the review and development of the issue.
  • Promoting effective communication and positive working relationships both within the Council and amongst partners, stakeholders and community groups.
  • Promoting the positive work that is being undertaken within the District, both at a regional and national level.
  • Providing positive support, and on occasions constructive challenge, to officers in driving forward the Council's agenda on the issue.

Fulfilling the role

To fulfil their role effective a Member Champion also needs to be able to:

  • foster cross-party co-operation and be able to engage community groups and officers
  • understand and express the opinions and priorities of the community
  • be sensitive to Council priorities; although they may be advocating the opinions of the older people, for example, they should not do so at the expense of Council Policy and Corporate Policies. Champions cannot allow themselves to "go native" and forget about their broader role as a Councillor
  • Lead and respond to the whole range of issues rather than focussing upon a pet interest

East Devon District Council Member Champions

Area of Responsibility Councillor
Affordable Homes David Key
Asset Management Bob Buxton
Branding and Marketing Alan Dent
Business and Tourism Graham Brown
Culture John O'Leary
Customer Services (incorporating Equalities) Deborah Custance Baker
Exmouth Town Tim Wood
Localism and the Big Society Graham Troman
Member Development and Engagement Maddy Chapman
Plain English Trevor Cope
Planning Design and Heritage Helen Parr
Procurement Mark Williamson
Public Amenity, Beach and Foreshore Tom Wright
Recycling Roger Giles
Rural Broadband Philip Skinner
Rural Communities (incorporating Post Offices) Ken Potter
Seaton Town Stephanie Jones
Youth Christine Drew

Page last updated on 6 October 2011