The work I have always found most rewarding is delivering public good – whether that’s working on policies that will have a real impact on speeding up delivery of new infrastructure, delivering a programme to improve capabilities in local authorities, or in government agencies, or setting targets for new homes.
Working in local government is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling; it can be a career for life and is not limited geographically. As local authority town planners, we perform a statutory function, tangibly shaping the place in which we work, for the benefit of our residents now and for future generations.
I find it rewarding bringing my technical knowledge and experience to big picture thinking and my experience means I can put myself in local authority planners’ shoes as we reshape how we deliver nationally.
What has kept me in the public sector is the sense of purpose and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful outcomes. I value being part of a system that aims to balance growth with community needs and long-term sustainability.
I enjoy having the ability to make a tangible difference to places and communities. We have a unique opportunity to influence how neighbourhoods evolve, helping to balance growth, environmental considerations and community needs. The work is varied, challenging and rewarding, with no two days ever being quite the same.
Funded by the Government Commercial Agency, the Sustainability Improvement Programme supports councils and strategic authorities to achieve their local climate and adaptation goals. It strengthens capacity and capability across elected members, chief executives and officers, helping to build confident and effective sustainability leadership.
The 'continuous improvement' element of the local government chief executive role involves learning and curiosity, innovation, service re-design, digital and artifiical intelligence, performance, impact and results.
The 'public ethics' element of the local government chief executive role involves ethical principles, ethical cultures, fairness, services, practices and dealing with violations.
