Wandsworth Unveils New 'Policy Champions'
Councillors tasked with devising new initiatives to improve the lives of residents
Wandsworth's new Policy Champions from left to right (top row) Councillors Tiller, Jafri, Mayorcas and Davies. Second row Councillors Varatharaj, Colclough, Dobres and Osborn. Picture: Wandsworth Council
The AGM of Wandsworth Council will see the appointment of a team of ‘Policy Champions’. These are councillors deemed to have a particular set of skills in various policy areas who will be tasked to devise initiatives to improve residents’ day-to-day lives.
Council leader Simon Hogg has unveiled the team which will support the borough’s cabinet of leading members.
These new Policy Champions will raise awareness of their specific roles and responsibilities, engage with stakeholders, promote formal consultations, research viability of innovative ideas and evaluate relevant work in other boroughs, as well as provide support to the work of their cabinet member.
The majority are set to be officially appointed to their positions at the council’s Annual General Meeting on 24 May. Two are set to be formally appointed in July. The champions are:
• Refugees Champion – Sarmila Varatharaj, who will support the Cabinet Member for Business, Voluntary Services and Culture.
• Clean Air Champion– Jamie Colclough, who will support the Cabinet Member for the Environment.
• Community Safety Champion– Lizzy Dobres who will support the Cabinet Member for Health.
• Active Travel Champion – Jack Mayorcas, who will support the Cabinet Member for the Environment.
• Tenants Champion– Matthew Tiller who will support the Cabinet Member for Housing.
• Equalities Champion – Sana Jafri who will support the Cabinet Member for Business, Voluntary Services and Culture.
• Families Champion - Sarah Davies who will support the Cabinet Member for Children
• History Champion – Rex Osborn who will support the Cabinet Member for Business, Voluntary Services and Culture
Councillors Davies and Osborn are expected to be formally appointed in July.
Councillor Hogg said: ““We are creating a fairer, compassionate and more sustainable council which supports and protects our most vulnerable residents, strengthens local communities and improves the lives of local people, all for the same low council tax.
“I’m delighted to confirm the Policy Champions for Wandsworth. They will be working alongside cabinet colleagues in delivering real and positive change for the people of this borough. They will bring additional knowledge, experience and expertise to the forefront of everything we do to improve the daily lives of our residents.”
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