Wiltshire Council officially appoints its new boss

Wiltshire Council has officially appointed its new chief executive, Lucy Townsend.

Ms Townsend was congratulated at a full council meeting at Trowbridge County Hall, during which councilors commented on the “robust” selection process.

Outgoing CEO Terence Herbert was also recognized and thanked for his service.

Both Ms Townsend and Mr Herbert attended the meeting on Wednesday 24 July to see the appointment go through the full council.

Leader of the board, Richard Clewer, said: “It was the toughest officer nomination panel I have been on.

“We had four very good candidates; it was very difficult to make a decision and I think he deserves to be recognized.”

READ MORE: Terence Herbert reflects on his career at Wiltshire Council

Councilors congratulated Ms Townsend and thanked Mr Herbert. (Image: Wiltshire Council)

As for Mr Herbert, Cllr Clewer added that one of the reasons Wiltshire is “bucking the national trend” of struggling local authorities is “Terence’s work” and “the work of the team he has put together”.

Lib Dem leader Ian Thorne noted Mr Herbert had achieved “enormous things” and congratulated Ms Townsend.

Cllr Peter Hutton said: “I have had the experience of working with Lucy for the past five or six years in children’s services and she has shown passion throughout and this has influenced the officers and us councilors to strive for to arrive at the “exceptional” judgment we have today.

“The reason I say this is that I’m sure that passion will extend even through all the services Wiltshire Council provides.”

Ms Townsend has over 25 years’ experience in local government, starting with the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, Swindon Borough Council and North Somerset Council, before joining Wiltshire Council in 2014 as Head of Safeguarding and Evaluation.

Between September 2017 and March 2020, he was director of family and children’s services before becoming corporate director of people in July 2020.

The Chief Executive is the most senior officer of Wiltshire Council.

Ms Townsend is expected to work with the leader and cabinet to set strategic direction and be the main link between council members and officers.

She said: “I am incredibly proud to be appointed Chief Executive of Wiltshire Council.

“I am committed and passionate about local government and the vital role it plays in helping to strengthen and empower our communities.

“I look forward to getting started and will lead from the front in a collaborative approach to help deliver the council’s vision, working side by side with our staff, residents, businesses and communities in a thriving and ambitious county.”