The role, which is an extension to an existing Executive Director role, will work alongside 3 other Executive Directors under an extension of the collective leadership model which was introduced in 2017. The role will be council’s Head of Paid Service which is a statutory function.
Councillors will discuss the position at the Full Council meeting on the 2 December, with the agenda and papers being released online today.
The role will be a strategic leadership position, working alongside the council’s Leader, to ensure that Derbyshire thrives now and in the future. The Managing Executive Director will set clear strategic direction, drive performance and provide accountability to councillors and residents. The role will also lead on relationships with key partners locally, regionally and nationally, ensuring Derbyshire has influence at every level and that the county’s voice is heard.
Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said the move was essential to enable Derbyshire to thrive under the response to and recovery from the pandemic:
“Our Collective Leadership model was right for the challenges of 2017 and continues to deliver benefits - collaboration and partnership will continue to be at the heart of the council’s operating model. A Managing Executive Director will now enable us to meet the challenges of the post-pandemic era.
“The changing world of local government – with covid, the prospect of devolution and reform, the ongoing financial challenges and the transition out of the European Union – mean we have to adapt and respond at every level across the organisation. In order to be at the front of the queue for the opportunities that the changing relationship between local and national government are bringing, Derbyshire needs a strategic lead officer to give it profile and impact at a national level.
“This approach demonstrates our agility and flexibility as a council, and our determination to do what is right for Derbyshire people, our partner organisations and our communities.”
The additional costs to the council will be £30,000 over 12 months.