The Chief Executive of Bath & North East Somerset Council, who joined in August 2012, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list, for her long-standing commitment to public services.
Dr Farrar has extensive experience of managing the delivery of frontline council services including children, transportation, waste management, adult social care and regeneration at Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Her previous roles include Chief Executive of Bridgend County Borough Council (2007-2012) – where she led a major programme of transformational change.
Prior to that Dr Farrar has enjoyed success in a number of other high profile roles with organisations including Cardiff Council, Welsh Government, London Borough of Camden and the Government’s Cabinet Office, where she worked as Deputy Director (2000-2003) alongside the Cabinet Secretary and Prime Minister to deliver public service reform.
Nationally Dr Farrar is currently taking the lead for Community Wellbeing (Adult Health and Social Care) for SOLACE, and is the leading local government Chief Executive for the programme to relocate Syrian Refugees.
She is a member of the Public Health England Prevention Board as well as supporting the Local Government Association on a number of Health related activities.
Dr Farrar is also on the advisory panel with the Welsh Government to consider the future funding arrangements for Local Authorities in Wales.
Cllr Tim Warren, (Conservative, Mendip), Leader of the Council, said: “This is fantastic news and very well-deserved.
“It’s great to see that Jo’s commitment to delivering excellent public services and supporting national initiatives has been recognised and rewarded with an OBE from Her Majesty the Queen.
“It is an honour for the Council to have a chief executive that is so highly regarded as a role model for public service and women throughout the UK.
“Since joining the authority, Jo’s drive and energy has led staff on ambitious plans for transforming the Council into an excellent authority.
“Her innovative approach has achieved great results for the Council and won her the respect of councillors, colleagues, peers’ partner organisations and in central Government.”
On receiving the news of her award, Dr Farrar, said: “I’m overwhelmed by such a tremendous honour, not just for me but for my family, who will be extremely proud.
“I am sad my Dad, who died last year, is not here to see this, but my Mum will be delighted I consider this award to be a recognition of the dedication and commitment of everyone I’ve worked with over the years, who have given their all to make a difference to people’s lives.
“Excellent public services cannot be delivered without strong teamwork and I would like to thank all of my colleagues for this honour.”