His role will be to coordinate and drive the work of the safer and stronger communities team, working specifically with local communities and other partners to improve the quality of life for residents and strengthen their neighbourhoods.
Robert was head of communities at Stratford-on-Avon District Council for more than three years before joining South Gloucestershire Council in June.
He said: “I am delighted to be on board. I believe that supporting, encouraging and working with people to help them improve their own communities is key to making all our neighbourhoods safer and stronger.”
Cllr John Godwin, executive member for external affairs and partnership, said: “I would like to welcome Robert to the safer and stronger communities partnership.* His role will support our corporate aim of promoting safer and stronger communities by working with our partners to continue to tackle crime, anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol use and the fear of crime effectively.”
Some of the projects Robert is involved with include:
■ Overseeing the work of the Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership
■ Joint initiatives such as the ‘weeks of action’ to make the district even safer
■ Working with the area’s 20 Safer and Stronger Community Groups
■ Coordinating and supporting partnership work around priority neighbourhoods
Cllr Heather Goddard, executive member for communities, added: “This appointment covers a wide and crucial agenda, and is good news for South Gloucestershire.
“Given the current financial climate, it is more important than ever to tackle areas of deprivation, raise aspirations and improve opportunities for our vulnerable residents. Robert will head a team which is also committed to supporting a thriving voluntary and community sector and encouraging more people to be involved in shaping their communities.”
ENDS