Celebrating International Women’s Day – Councillor Gillian Ford.

Councillor Gillian Ford shares her views on women in politics.

As today is International Womens’ Day, I thought I would share my story as a snapshot as to how women can make a difference in local politics.

I was first elected in 2002 having previously been a youth representative on a local community group and a school governor. My family have been amazing and have always been supportive encouraging me to agree to represent the Residents Association in the local election. I also decided to study for a degree that proved invaluable in building my confidence to question and challenge. Having been cautioned by a woman Councillor to remember I was a woman in a man’s domain, I took on the challenge.

Since that time I have represented local authorities at a national and international level including in the development of the Better Care Fund, the development of Health and Wellbeing Boards, Bright Futures for Children, Parity in mental health and am currently helping to develop a Council Scrutiny model for Children’s Services that can be rolled out across the UK on behalf of the DfE.

Previously I was Vice Chair of the LGA’s Health and Wellbeing Board, meeting on a regular basis with the NHS Confederation, CCG’s and Ministers. I was delighted to have secured a delay from Ministers on the rollout of a new local authority policy at a time when authorities were under pressure. I have also been able to bring back to Havering an Employee Dementia policy, the first London Authority to have done so. I was then Vice Chair on the LGA’s Children’s Board, where I worked on policies with the Children’s Commissioner, and the Regional Schools Commissioner. I was one of four cross-party Councillors that delivered Bright Futures for Children that was launched in Parliament and as the Independent representative on the UK Independent Councillors on the LGA Asylum, Migration and Refugee Task Group I travelled to the ‘Jungle’ in Calais, meeting with the Mayor to discuss the relocation of Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) to the UK. The lessons learnt then, will be of paramount importance supporting families fleeing war torn Ukraine now.

I am currently the Vice Chair on the LGA City & Regions Board, regularly meeting with Elected Mayors and Leaders of Councils across the UK with a focus on the highstreet, learning and skills, health & wellbeing and what COVID has done to our cities and regions. I am also the Independent Representative on the COR UK Contact Group which is a delegation of cross party Councillors that continue conversations with European Colleagues on policies and issues that are still applicable despite us having left the EU partnership.

Life and personal experiences have certainly helped me contribute to some big agendas and even the bad experiences can filter into making positive changes for others. It is sad that in recent times politics locally determined I should not have a seat at the table on a number of committees, despite my extensive knowledge and networks. I am determined that this will change.

Given my understanding and depth of knowledge in local authority needs and challenges, it is regrettable that only this week a fellow male Councillor chose to single me out to criticise the fact I had a number of roles, conveniently ignoring the men in the room that go out to work and have indeed carry out work on behalf of the Local Government Association the same as I have. This misogyny did not go unchallenged by me and I welcomed the supportive messaging of another male Councillor in condemning the view that had been expressed; men too have an important role in driving a change in attitudes.

My life journey has empowered me to keep challenging and making positive difference and change when and wherever I can. Women should not feel oppressed by the men in the room and remember many of them can be your strongest allies and advocates. And women, rather than stepping back and pulling fellow women back, recognise those in the room that can make a difference and support them.

Councillor Gillian Ford