I’m Josie Caven, councillor for Kingsley Ward in Harrogate and a proud mum of two. I studied sociology at college and have always been passionate about fairness, respect, and helping people feel truly heard.
I’m deaf and use a cochlear implant, relying on lip reading. Growing up, I didn’t have the opportunity to learn British Sign Language competently due to misinformation at the time; so, l’m committed in my lifetime to making BSL accessible for all deaf children and adults.
I decided to run for council after facing real struggles getting responses from local services. It worried me because I realised that there will be people who don’t have the same access or confidence to push back. I ran for them, and I will work every day to make sure no one is left out of the conversation.
My approach in the council will be about pushing for transparency and simplicity using common sense, cutting through the complexity, so that residents know what’s happening.
I am blessed by my two children as their curiosity and enthusiasm keeps me grounded. My eldest child is really keen on the environment and animals, so I am learning a lot about those topics!
