Helen served as a Bristol City Councillor for thirty three years, standing down in May ’24.
During that time she held many different roles, including Cabinet Member for various portfolios, and Leader of the Council. In those leading roles, Helen always worked with and developed strategic partnerships, working across a range of sectors, from universities, health, regeneration and development and the community and voluntary sector.
Most recently, as Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, she Chaired the Integrated Care Partnership for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, bringing together NHS, the three Local Authorities, care providers, people with lived experience, the not-for-profit sector, and the VCS.
When Cabinet Member for Transport, she worked extensively in Europe, Chairing a political advisory group to the European Commission.
Helen was a Board Member of the South West Regional Development Agency, and also sat on the Government’s Commission for Integrated Transport.
Helen is a Local Government Association peer, and works with local authorities across England, mentoring new Council Leaders and Cabinet Members, and as part of peer review teams.
In August 2023, Helen was made an Honorary Doctor of Letters by the University of Bristol.
