Cllr Sheila D'Souza: New Councillor of the year 2011

Sheila D'Souza had little idea that just after one year of taking part in Operation Black Vote’s Black Women’s Councillor shadowing scheme funded by the Government Equality Office, that she would not only be an elected representative but also chosen from the thousands of new elected representatives as ‘New Councillor of the Year’.

The awards organised by the Local Government Information Unit recognises the achievements of local councillors across the country and the tireless efforts that they put into making their communities better. They were nominated by their local residents, fellow councillors and the winners were chosen by a panel of local government experts.

The panel recognised Sheila’s achievement saying:

“Since being elected in May 2010, Cllr D’Souza has brought dedication and passion to her work in championing the needs of her residents. She has had a particular impact in a short space of time in successfully resolving residents’ concerns about a local train station and also been appointed as lead member for health scrutiny. Cllr D’Souza has impressed officers and councillors with her enthusiasm and her approach to her role is seen as a real addition to the council. Her achievements so far include getting Network Rail to respond to residents’ concerns, campaigning for road re-surfacing, successfully taking up issues around parking enforcement and ensuring that scrutiny is more dynamic. Above all else, Cllr D’Souza has made a real difference to her local community.The awards panel said Cllr D’Souza has impressed officers and councillors with her enthusiasm and her approach to her role is seen as a real addition to the council.”

Speaking about her success Sheila stated: "I am very grateful to OBV and inspirational people like Cllr Mimi Harker and Liz St Clair from Conservative Central Office for setting me off on this road. My fellow Councillors have been very generous with advice and encouragement. But a lot of credit for this award must go to the highly professional support I have received from Council officers."

OBV’s Director Simon Woolley stated: “It’s fantastic to see individuals who come through our schemes and projects to go on and make such a profound impact on their communities and wider society. From being mentored she has now become a role model herself. It makes us at OBV very proud indeed.”