Recruitment has begun for the positions of Chief Executive at two new councils in Cumbria.
Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council will come into effect next April and the roles have been described as ‘once-in-a-generation.’
Councillor Mark Fryer, Leader of the Shadow Authority for Cumberland Council said:
“Our focus is the people of Cumberland. We want to create the best set of services for our communities to ensure all our residents will be getting the help and support they need.
The recruitment of a new Chief Executive is an important step forward towards the new Cumberland Council coming into place next April.
The successful candidate, working closely with members, will be at the forefront of leading and creating Cumberland Council – brand new organisation that has been created following the biggest change to local government in Cumbria since 1974.
We are looking for an inspirational leader, brimming with energy who is committed to driving forward positive change for the area, delivering quality services that will make a real difference to people’s lives.”
As of Vesting Day on the 1st of April 2023, the six district councils and Cumbria County Council that currently exist will be replaced by two new ‘unitary’ councils. Cumberland Council will cover the current Allerdale, Carlisle and Copeland council areas, and Westmorland and Furness Council will cover the areas previously served by the Barrow, Eden, and South Lakeland councils. They will take over responsibility for the services that are currently provided by the district councils and the county council. There are also two Shadow Authorities that are overseeing the planning and preparation for the new authorities.
Leader of the Shadow Authority for Westmorland and Furness Council, Councillor Jonathan Brook, said:
“We want to ensure that our customers and our communities are at the heart of everything we do and will design services around our communities’ needs.
While still in our early days, we are already focussing on the organisational culture we want, work has started on developing a new set of values that will be at our very core – values that will include openness, honesty, transparency, and leading by example.
This is a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity, to shape and lead a brand-new council. An ambitious council that will shape public services for the better, building on the best and transforming public services for the future.”
Adverts for the roles are live at https://newcouncilsforcumbria.info/ and applicants have until 9am on Monday 4th July 2022 to apply.
