County needs an officer to give it ‘profile and impact’
COUNCILLOR Barry Lewis, leader of Derbyshire County Council, described the move as essential to enable Derbyshire to thrive and compete.
He said: “The changing world of local government – which includes leading the post-pandemic economic and social recovery, the integration of health and social care, driving forward ‘vision Derbyshire’ to develop a collaborative working model across all local authorities, and harnessing the opportunities that a devolution deal for Derbyshire presents – means we have to adapt and respond at every level across the organisation.
“And 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 now needs a strategic lead officer to give it profile and impact at a national level.
“Our collective leadership model, with four equal executive directors, was absolutely right for the challenges of 2017 when it was introduced and continues to deliver benefits in terms of collaborative and transparent decision-making. “Our approach in 2017 did away with the inefficiencies we inherited and we continue to take a streamlined approach to management at the council.
“So much has changed in the world since 2017 which means the council now requires a permanent managing director working closely with the council’s cabinet and executive directors, to ensure that the council delivers its ambitious plans including those in our manifesto.
“This approach demonstrates our responsiveness as a council, our ability to change and adapt to a new landscape and our determination to do what is right for Derbyshire people, our partner organisations and our communities.”