Falkirk Council has appointed Amanda Templeman as the authority’s Chief Finance Officer (CFO).
Ms Templeton first joined the council in 2004 and has held various roles in the finance team, including holding the role of Acting Depute CFO for three years.
In 2017, she joined Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership as CFO before returning to the council as Capital and Treasury Manager two years ago.
Commenting, Ms Templeman said:
"Having worked for the council for nearly 20 years, I understand its complexities and challenges, as well as the opportunities for change.
“I am excited to be part of a leadership team that is committed to working collaboratively to deliver improvements and tackle the council’s financial challenges."
Falkirk Council’s Acting Director of Transformation, Communities and Corporate Services, Karen Algie added:
“Amanda is a very welcome addition to the council’s senior leadership team. As CFO, she will play a critical role in our transformation and be pivotal in helping us address the financial difficulties we face.”
After finalising the local authority’s annual accounts, Ms Templeman aims to review existing processes and procedures, including creating a plan that puts finance at the heart of the council’s transformation journey, she said:
“The council needs to be smaller, flexible and more responsive, and must ensure its scarce resources are targeted to priorities as much as possible. To do that, we need to understand and scrutinise what we do, as well as the impact any investment has.
"We also need to work with employees, partners and communities to consider new and innovative approaches because we cannot afford to keep doing what we are doing.”
Since January this year, Falkirk Council’s senior leadership team has undergone significant changes, with three officers retiring.
As well as this, Malcolm Bennie has joined as Director of Place Services and the authority’s new Director of Transformation, Communities and Corporate Services will be officially announced in the coming weeks.
As it currently stands, Falkirk Council’s leadership team has a 50/50 gender split and Ms Algie said:
“It’s important to have a mix of people with different life experiences, strengths and approaches around the table to ensure multiple views can be considered in a constructive yet challenging environment.
"The women that already sit on the senior leadership team, and the female leaders before them, have shown how effective strong female leadership can be.
“I’ve always felt supported and nurtured at Falkirk Council and have never felt my gender was a barrier. That, in large part, is why I have chosen to build my career here.”
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