• Swindon & Wiltshire Appointments
• Monday July 22 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Wiltshire Council appoints new chief executive

Wiltshire Council has appointed Lucy Townsend as its new chief executive.

Lucy, who is currently corporate director – people at Wiltshire Council, will take over as chief executive following the departure of Terence Herbert in August.

Terence will be leaving Wiltshire Council after 13 years having been appointed as chief executive at Surrey County Council.

Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “Lucy was an outstanding candidate and I’m delighted 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 across the local government sector and we are confident she will ensure Wiltshire remains one of the most efficient and effective councils in the country.

“Lucy’s qualities, experience and commitment were 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 aims as a council at a crucial and challenging time for local government.”

Lucy has over 25 years’ local government experience. Her career began at the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, and took her to Swindon Borough Council, and North Somerset Council before starting with Wiltshire Council in 2014 as head of safeguarding and assessment.

Between September 2017 and March 2020 Lucy was director of families and children’s services before she was appointed corporate director – people in July 2020.

She also holds the statutory role of director of children’s services.

“I am incredibly proud to be appointed as Chief Executive of Wiltshire Council. I am committed and passionate about local government and the vital role it plays and in helping to strengthen and empower our communities,” said Lucy.

“I can’t wait to get started, and will lead from the front taking a collaborative approach to help achieve the council’s vision, working side by side with our staff, residents, businesses and communities in a thriving and ambitious county.”

Wiltshire Council recently took over all of the functions previously delivered by the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership.