Two councillors will be taking on the roles of Community Champions this year.

Chelmsford City Councillor Stephanie Scott, who represents Great Baddow East, has been appointed the Disabled Persons’ Champion and Chelmsford City Councillor Ron Alcock, who represents Chelmer Village and Beaulieu Park, has been appointed Champion for Armed Forces.

Councillor Scott unrelenting energy and passion for this role has already demonstrated how the City Council can benefit from a dedicated Member Champion.

She has worked with children and adults affected by physical and neurological disorders for more than twenty years. 

Councillor Scott has since assisted in the rehabilitation process working with Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists, supporting on a physical level.

The mum-of-two's passion for the role comes from her own experience; one of her daughters was brain damaged after she suffered a severe stroke as a baby and she now has complex learning difficulties.

She said: “I am very much looking forward to my new and challenging role as Disabled Persons’ Champion.

"I wish to thank Chelmsford City Council for giving me this great opportunity to use my skills and experience by contributing to this important part of our caring city.”

Councillor Alcock has served in the Armed forces and has involvement with Help for Heroes as well as many other charity roles.

His long service in the region and his understanding of the issues facing the armed forces and veterans demonstrates how the City Council can benefit from a dedicated Member Champion.

Councillor Alcock said: “I am delighted to have been appointed Champion for Armed Forces. One of my key roles is to be the first point of contact for queries from ex-Forces personnel who need help and assistance.

"I will also signpost people to relevant support, or help unblock any problems that people have accessing services.”

Leader of Chelmsford City Council, Councillor Roy Whitehead, has also announced a change to the Cabinet portfolio.

Councillor Duncan Lumley, who held the portfolio for Strategic Housing, will take the role of Cabinet Member for Information Technology and Councillor Paul Hutchinson, whose term as Mayor of Chelmsford ended during last week's Full Council, will take the role of Cabinet Member for Strategic Housing.

The full Cabinet of responsibilities is as follows:

  • Councillor Roy Whitehead, Leader of the Council
  • Councillor John Galley, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance 
  • Councillor Nicolette Chambers, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services 
  • Councillor Duncan Lumley, Cabinet Member for Information Technology 
  • Councillor Julia Jeapes, Cabinet Member for Leisure
  • Councillor Bob Massey, Cabinet Member for Parks
  • Councillor Neil Gulliver, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development
  • Councillor Ian Grundy, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities
  • Councillor Paul Hutchinson, Cabinet Member for Strategic Housing
  • Councillor Janette Potter, Cabinet Member for Waste Management and Recycling

Details of all City Councillors can be found at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/councillors