The working group will provide a wide level of stakeholder engagement

The representatives are made up of a cross-section of people working across a variety of sectors with involvement and experience in issues relating to poverty and inequality. There are roles for each of the following:

• One resident of the city with lived experience of poverty
• Two third sector representatives
• One representative of higher and further education
• One person representing key interest groups in Aberdeen
• One public health professional/practitioner working in Aberdeen.

The working group will also provide a wide level of stakeholder engagement and opportunities for sharing ideas and inputting into committee reports.

Five appointments have been approved with a representative of key interest groups to be confirmed: Evan Adamson, a food bank operator; Maggie Hepburn, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations; Sophy Green, Chief Executive of Instant Neighbour; Dr John Bone, Senior Lecturer in Sociology and a Coordinator of the Just Transitions Lab at the University of Aberdeen; and Phil Mackie, a Public Health Consultant with NHS Grampian.

The advisers along with all members of the Committee have been invited to an event at SHMU radio on 3rd November where they will hear about poverty and inequality within the city, and will have an opportunity to see the local films that launched Challenge Poverty Week and meet people with lived experience of poverty.

Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee Convenor Councillor, Christian Allard, said: “These are extremely challenging time, and the cost of living crisis is leaving people with incredibly difficult choices about where to spend what money they have.

“The advisers will provide an insight into where pressures are most acute, and the group will serve as an important tool as we seek to put urgent measures in place to help those who most need it.”

Committee Vice-Convenor Desmond Bouse, added: “The nature of the work carried out by this committee makes it vital that we hear a variety of voices from across our city, and the calibre of the appointees will ensure that the views of residents are powerfully articulated.”

The appointments were made for an initial period of twelve months, and they will be reviewed annually from then on. The adviser positions are voluntary and there is no cost to the council for these positions.