Cllr Molyneux presented report LD.357, commenting that the political group leaders had concluded that the previous arrangements with ten champions had not always worked effectively. The report recommendations were designed to promote a sharper focus for fewer champions to become more involved.

Cllr Martin asked if the role description at recommendation b) could include the sentence ‘to aspire to attaining the member champion qualification’

Cllr Molyneux agreed, commenting that Cllr Martin had been one of the council’s exceptional member champions. He hoped that the friendly amendment would help to underline the importance of the role.

Cllr Winship asked if there would be the opportunity for Full Council to appoint additional champions if the need arose during the four-year term of the council.

Cllr Molyneux replied that a report could be presented to Full Council at any time, outlining the case for a further champion. He added that the Cabinet would be asking for champions to help with specific projects, as the need arose.

Cllr Hogan said that he had hoped the political group leaders could get together to agree the list of champions and suggested a recess to do that.

The chairman called a 15-minute recess at 9.15pm.

The chairman resumed the meeting at 9.30pm and asked the leader for member champion nominations.

Cllr Molyneux said that the roles were very important, that each member should read the guidance brochure produced by the IDeA (now LGID), which was available from Democratic Services. Cllr Martin had agreed to act as a mentor to any new champion needing guidance.

Cllr Molyneux proposed and Cllr Edwards seconded the motion.

RESOLVED –

a) To appoint Member Champions for the term of the Council   2011/15 in the following areas:

• Health – Cllr Frank Baynham
• Older People – Cllr Judy Davis
• Children and Young People – Cllr Jane Horne
• Equalities – Cllr Ian Whitburn

b) To adopt the Champion Role Description set out at Annex A, as amended

c) To request that the Independent Remuneration Panel assess the work involved in acting as Champion and whether a Special Responsibility Allowance should be paid.

Voting was as follows.

For (45) – Norman Stephens, Roger Yeates, Jim Connell, Gethyn Davies, Brian Jones, Brian Edwards, James Bevan, Judy Davis, Frankie Evans, Carole Allaway Martin, Marrilyn Smart, Len Lawton, Peter Ede, Marion Winship, Gabriella Kirkpatrick, Roy Birch, Arthur Thomas, Julia Gooch, Ian Whitburn, Dave East, Maria Edey, Philip Burford, Clive Elsmore, Andrew Gardiner, Graham Morgan, Max Coborn, Frank Beard, Frank Baynham, Bill Osborne, Paul McMahon, David Thomson, Bill Evans, Bernie O’Neill, Don Pugh, Bruce Hogan, Val Hobman, Di Martin, Jackie Fraser, Helen Stewart, Terry Glastonbury, Terry Hale, Diana Edwards, Martin Quaile, Patrick Molyneux, Brian Robinson

Against (1) - Lynn Sterry

Abstained (1) - Paul Hiett