I have been the Suffolk County Councillor for the Blackbourn Division for almost 30 years. I have worked in the public sector in Suffolk since 1972 and live in Pakenham with my husband Christopher. We have two grown-up daughters and several grandchildren.
I have held various leading roles in Suffolk, including as Chairman of the following: Suffolk Family Health Services Authority, Suffolk Health Authority, Suffolk West Primary Care Trust, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Authority, and Suffolk Police Authority. As a former Cabinet Member for Public Protection, I was responsible for community safety, social inclusion, diversity, trading standards and emergency planning.
At the County Council today, I am chairman of the Audit Committee and I chair the West Suffolk Community Safety Partnership.
I keep in touch with my electorate of just over 8,000 voters by attending Parish Council meetings in the 17 villages I represent. I also get involved from time to time in campaigns to protect local services. Several of the villages I represent are facing the possibility of large housing developments. I believe it is best to engage at an early stage with developers to seek appropriate support for road safety improvements, school places and enhanced rights of way.
I have supported different mental health charities, including Rethink where I have a national role. I was also Chairman of Suffolk St John Ambulance until 2017.
I can be contacted at Joanna.Spicer@suffolk.gov.uk