Board Members
Cllr Emma Williamson
Cumberland Council
I’m a passionate people-person, always eager to meet new individuals and learn from their experiences. I collaborate with others to share knowledge and create lasting change in our communities, driven by my integrity and commitment to equal opportunities for all.
My friends and colleagues describe me as a dynamic and compassionate individual, driven by a fierce passion for helping others, especially those in need of a voice. I pride myself on my integrity and dedication to creating equal opportunities for all so that everyone can thrive.
Colin Cox
Cumberland Council
Colin Cox has been Director of Public Health and Communities for Cumberland Council since that Council was formed in April 2023 following the reorganisation of local government in Cumbria. In this role he is responsible not only for public health but also for public protection and a wide range of community engagement and community development functions. Prior to this he was Director of Public Health for Cumbria for nine years, during which he was instrumental in establishing the Health and Wellbeing Coach team, a significant new approach to supporting individuals to improve their health and wellbeing, as well as leading the local response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Before Cumbria he spent 11 years in Manchester’s Joint Health Unit and public health team, having moved there from Stockport, where he started his career co-ordinating the work of the Drug Action Team before moving into wider health policy and partnership management.
Chair – Dr Richard Cummings
LLWR
Dr Richard Cummings is Head of Science and Engineering at the Low Level Waste Repository, responsible for safety cases, waste inventory and acceptance, site monitoring and characterisation, and engineering. He is also closely involved in the Repository’s capping and development programmes.
Richard has 30 years of experience in the nuclear industry, specialising in radioactive waste management and disposal. Richard moved to Cumbria with his family in 2007 to take up a position with LLW Repository Ltd. Outside work, Richard enjoys orienteering and fell walking.
Richard is delighted to be joining the Copeland Community Fund Board and looking forward to working with colleagues in the support of local community organisations and initiatives.
Gillian Elliott
NDA
Gillian Elliott is the Stakeholder Relations Lead in Cumbria for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
She has lived and worked in the area all her life and has over 35 years of experience working in partnership with businesses and the community to deliver projects across the area. She has experience of asset based community development, economic development, grant management and policy development.
Outside work, Gillian enjoys keeping fit and walking with her 4 dogs.