Andrew Hensman was first elected to Braintree District Council in 2015, and competed two terms as ward member for Braintree Central and Beckers Green becoming a well-known face and voice throughout the town, representing residents within Braintree District Council as well as supporting others in the community with volunteer work. This ward is unique within the district, covering the High Street to the shopping village, two railways stations and a bus interchange, light industrial units and residential areas. He assisted colleagues in other wards and now uses his knowledge to explain processes from an unbiased view.
Andrew has served on various committees within BDC from licensing to scrutiny, and also represented the Council within external organisations. After being offered a position within the Planning Committee, he underwent training to learn more about the planning system, to make informed decisions on applications, as well as to better represent residents, whether they wish to improve their own properties or make objections to planned development in their area. Forming the majority of enquiries during his terms of office, a basic guide has been placed on this site to help with understanding what grounds an objection can be considered, what the committee can do, and why applications are granted, deferred or refused. This is views of a former committee member and not that of the Council, nor should it be used in any legal argument - check the facts separately first as things can change!
Andrew was proud to have become Chairman of the Council, having been unanimously elected on 25 April 2022 to serve for the civic year 2022-2023. Again, this was ground-breaking in becoming the first person with autism to attain such a position. It was the most unique experience ever in celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, followed by her sad passing. Andrew then had to read the proclamation of King Charles III and was then privileged to attend Buckingham Palace after the Coronation weekend.
Andrew was involved in volunteering from a young age, and has continued to volunteer with various organisations, undertaking a four-year term as Trustee of a national charity, becoming a publicly-elected governor of the local mental health trust for two terms, chairing the Essex Branch of a national autism charity, working as chairman of a local charity in Braintree, as well as chairing the All Age Autism Partnership Board for Essex County Council.
Invisible disabilities are high on the agenda for Andrew, being recognised within the county as a champion for raising awareness and promoting inclusion and in December 2018 Andrew was featured in First magazine as the first openly autistic councillor in the country, inspiring others to be open about their diagnosis and encouraging councils to embrace diversity among their elected members. He has proved that properly supported anyone can achieve.