At its meeting on 25 January 2024, members of the Regional Climate Change Forum (RCCF) ratified the nomination of Councillor Peter Schwier, Climate Change Tzar, Essex County Council as new Forum Chair.
With chairing arrangements rotating every two years, Councillor Schwier’s appointment followed Councillor Richard Roberts’, Leader of Hertfordshire Council, tenure as Chair since the Forum’s inauguration in January 2022.
Councillor Roberts has been instrumental in driving the work of this important regional group, made up of the lead member and lead officer of each county-based climate change partnership or equivalent, representing 50 local authorities across the East of England.
Under Councillor Roberts’ leadership, excellent work and progress continues in taking forward an ambitious set of eight priority activities, judged to achieve the greatest regional impact and support delivery of net zero.
Matt Partridge, Chief Executive of Stevenage District Council and the lead chief exec for climate change in the region, led tributes to Councillor Roberts at the Forum’s January meeting. On behalf of RCCF members, Matt expressed huge gratitude for everything Councillor Roberts has done, from launching the Forum, leading its strategic direction, and being at the front of two highly successful regional net zero conferences. Members acknowledged Councillor Roberts invaluable contribution and his passion as an authentic advocate of the climate change agenda.
Councillor Schwier brings to the role as Forum Chair a wealth of experience and knowledge, and is excited to be leading a regional group with such an important mandate and opportunity to achieve climate change targets.
He said: “I am delighted to be undertaking the role of Forum Chair, and I would firstly like to thank Councillor Roberts for his sterling efforts in getting the group to its strong position and ability to make a real difference in delivering net zero in the East of England.
“As the driest part of the UK, the East of England is unique. We have a duty to be informed, plan and take action to adapt to the changing weather patterns that are likely to affect our region, as well as capitalise on collaboration opportunities in our paths to net zero.
“My ambitions for the Forum are to continue the great work already done and drive further progress at pace across all of our priority areas, to be able to evidence the impact of reduced emissions and our contribution to net zero. I am also fully committed to ensuring that central government understands both the requirements of the East of England and the opportunities our region can offer.”
Councillor Schwier will be supported as Chair by Cllr Lucy Nethsingha, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, as the Forum’s vice-Chair, and Matt Partridge.
If you would like to receive any further information about the Forum and its work please email Angela Hogg (aurum.business.solutions@gmail.com).