Wiltshire Council unveils new chief executive

Wiltshire Council has unveiled its new chief executive.

Lucy Townsend, currently corporate director – people at Wiltshire Council, was chosen following a recruitment process which included technical interviews, psychometric assessments, a full day assessment with a variety of stakeholder groups and final interviews.

Subject to formal approval, Lucy will take over as chief executive following the departure of Terence Herbert in August. Terence leaves Wiltshire Council after 13 successful years as Chief Executive of Surrey County Council.

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Lucy Townsend is the new Chief Executive of Wiltshire Council (Image: Wiltshire Council)

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “Lucy was an outstanding candidate and I am delighted that she has accepted the role of Chief Executive following a very robust and competitive process. Lucy has a wealth of experience over many years, not only at Wiltshire Council, but also in the local government sector and we are confident that she will ensure that Wiltshire remains one of the most effective and efficient councils in the country.

“Lucy’s qualities, experience and commitment have been demonstrated in the council’s children’s services, achieving an outstanding grade by Ofsted last year. We look forward to working with her to achieve our collective goals as a council at a crucial and challenging time for local government.”

Lucy 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”

Lucy brings to the role 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, Lucy was Director of Family and Children’s Services before being appointed Corporate Director – People in July 2020. She also holds the statutory role of Director of Children’s Services.

She began her career in social work and management roles in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham between 1998-2004. From 2004-2009 he worked for Swindon Borough Council as Planning and Commissioning Manager and from 2009-2016 he worked as a Service Leader at North Somerset Council before moving to Wiltshire.