Bath & North East Somerset Council has confirmed that it has started the process to appoint the successor to its current Chief Executive/ Head of Paid Service.
The post will be advertised in the national press beginning 15th January 2011 and details will appear on the job pages of the Council website. The appointment will be made by a small panel, including the leaders of the three main political groups on the Council, although there will be opportunities for the Council’s partners to meet candidates.
The current Chief Executive of Bath & North East Somerset Council, John Everitt will be retiring shortly but will ensure that there is managerial support and continuity whilst the recruitment process is carried out. It is likely, therefore, that he will be leaving his post at the end of April 2012. It is also anticipated that there will be a relatively short hand over period after this date.
Councillor Paul Crossley (Lib-Dem, Southdown), Leader of Council, said, “It is absolutely crucial that the Council now starts the process of appointing a high calibre successor to provide dedicated leadership across the organisation to achieve our plans for the area, and an overview of the way in which our high quality public services are delivered.”
“On behalf of the Council, I’d like to thank John for his exceptional commitment and excellent contribution to public service over the past 15 years. As a result of this, the Council is one of the best in the South West and is in a strong position to tackle the significant challenges we face, such as the national financial crisis and taking forward the priorities that local residents tell us are important, like economic regeneration and improving local transport.”
Councillor Francine Haeberling (Conservative, Saltford), Leader of the Conservative Group, said, “We are very sad that John is retiring given his dedication to the role and commitment to delivering excellent services to residents over a long period of time. Since the change from County of Avon to unitary council status, the organisation has grown from strength to strength under his stewardship.”
Councillor John Bull (Labour, Paulton), Leader of the Labour Group said, “Whilst it is clearly sad news for the Council that John has decided to retire, the Council can look into the future with optimism that we have an excellent senior management team and staff who can very effectively support a successor to tackle the challenges we face.”
Councillor Doug Deacon (Independent, Timsbury) Leader of the Independent Group said, “We would like to wish John all the very best in his retirement and would like to thank him for all his hard work in steering this Council to such a stable position in these difficult times.“
