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.
The 'resource management' element of the local government chief executive role involves budgeting, savings, investment, asset management, financial risk and prudence.
The 'managerial leadership' element of the local government chief executive role involves leadership, direction, culture, risk, control and safeguarding, teamwork and collaboration.
The 'good governance' element of the local government chief executive role involves unified powers, being reasoned and reasonable, openness, advice, independence and citizenship.
The 'politics and the political interface' element of the local government chief executive role involves impartiality, guiding, politics, political parties, tiers of government, interface and overlaps.
The 'core' element of the local government chief executive role involves coordination, management, staffing, advising the council, elections and dealing with emergencies.
Access and download the Local Government Chief Executives' Development Framework. We will also be collating a list of resources here to aid and support the development of chief executives.
Right Care, Right Person (RCRP) is a partnership approach which aims to ensure that individuals in mental health crisis are seen by the right professional, to improve outcomes and the experience for people who need mental health support. It also applies to calls to Police regarding concerns about welfare.
