Bath & North East Somerset Council has named its new Chief Executive to succeed the existing Chief Executive John Everitt upon his retirement.
Following a rigorous selection process, Dr Jo Farrar, currently Chief Executive of Bridgend County Borough Council, was selected from over 50 applications for the position.
Councillor Paul Crossley (Lib-Dem, Southdown), Leader of Council, said: “We’re delighted to recommend Jo Farrar to become the new Chief Executive of Bath & North East Somerset Council, subject to the approval of the full Council later this month.
“We attracted an impressive field of applicants and the interview panel reached a unanimous decision in recommending Dr Farrar for appointment. All members of the panel agreed that she possesses the necessary vision, strategic skills and experience to meet the future needs of the Council and address the challenges ahead.”
Dr Farrar has been Chief Executive of Bridgend County Borough Council since 2007 – managing a team of 8,000 employees and a revenue budget of £300 million. She has extensive experience of managing the delivery of frontline council services including children, transportation, waste management, adult social care and regeneration. She also led a major programme of transformational change to turn Bridgend County Borough Council into a high performing authority.
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 lead public service reform.
Dr Farrar said: “I’m proud to be joining Bath & North East Somerset as Chief Executive. This is an exciting and prestigious opportunity and one which will allow me to use the significant experience I have gained in Bridgend to maximise the potential of an influential city for the benefit of the whole of the surrounding district.
“I look forward to working with staff, councillors and other organisations, such as community groups, to continue to deliver the best possible services for residents, businesses and visitors right across Bath and North East Somerset.”
Councillor Francine Haeberling (Con, Saltford), Leader of the Conservative Group said,”We are pleased to be able to support the recommendation of Jo Farrar to full Council to succeed John Everitt. Jo is clearly an outstanding candidate, with an impressive range of skills and huge experience of delivering many critical front line services. We are looking forward to working with her on delivering our services and bringing new investment into the area to revitalise some of our local towns”.
Councillor John Bull (Lab, Paulton), Leader of the Labour Group said, “Jo Farrar has worked in the highest levels in Government and will bring invaluable expertise and insight to the Council as we meet the challenges ahead. I am looking forward to working together, to effect change and to deliver the services our communities most need, and continue to improve standards of living“.
Councillor Doug Deacon (Ind, Timsbury), Leader of the Independent Group said, “We are delighted to support Jo Farrar’s appointment to the Council. Jo has proven ability to forge and maintain partnerships, work with the community and to support Members in delivering the Council’s vision for the area“.
Dr Farrar’s appointment has to be confirmed at a meeting of the full Council on 28 March. Subject to this, Jo will be taking every opportunity to familiarise herself with the Council, prior to an anticipated start date at the beginning of August 2012. John Everitt has agreed to continue in his role until a formal handover can be completed.
