24.07.19
Chief executive announced for new unitary Bucks Council
Rachel Shimmin has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Buckinghamshire Council; the new unitary authority set to take over local government in the county next year.
Shimmin, the current interim head of paid service and implementation lead and the current chief executive of Buckinghamshire County Council, will lead the brand new £1bn council.
The unitary authority will provide all the current council services across the county, replacing the existing county and four district authorities as of 1 April 2020, with elections in May the same year.
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Shimmin will be tasked with leading the set up of the new Buckinghamshire Council, along with a team of more than 300 staff from the five existing councils, and she will work with the 202 elected members in the shadow authority ahead of next year’s elections.
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Commenting on her appointment, Shimmin said: “Setting up the new Buckinghamshire Council is a once-in-a-career opportunity.
“The communities of Buckinghamshire deserve the best possible public services and I am excited to be heading up the organisation that will deliver them.
“While the task ahead of us shouldn’t be underestimated, the programme to create the new council is well established and has a clear focus on what is required. I am determined to create an organisation that will lead the way in providing excellent services.”
The appointment follows a nation-wide search for the new leader, and was overseen by members of the Senior Appointment Sub Committee.
The leader of the shadow executive, Martin Tett, said that whilst the project as a massive challenge, “I know Rachel is the person who will ensure it happens.”
“We have the opportunity here to improve services and create simpler, more efficient and effective local government that will deliver for all of our communities.”