New Wiltshire Council chief executive aiming high
Lucy Townsend has been in her new role for two weeks
The new Chief Executive of Wiltshire Council has told us she want's the council to deliver the best possible service for people living in Wiltshire.
Lucy Townsend has been in her new role for two weeks after replacing former Chief Executive, Terrence Herbert.
Ms Townsend is well established at Wiltshire Council, having spent a decade at the organisation in various roles.
She told us she's still settling into her new position.
"It's early days," she said, adding that the quieter period in August meaning she's having a 'gentle introduction' as she transitions from her previous role, which is still vacant.
"It'sa gradual step into it. I'm expecting from next week things to ramp up a bit, particularly as the politicians are back from their annual leave."
She's aiming to 'put the Council on the map', adding: "I want Wilshire to be a place that people love living in or they want to come and live here. They want to raise a family, people ageing well here and businesses come to thrive."
Why she took the job
Ms Townsend told us it's her job to ensure the appropriate staff and structures are in place to allow the council to function effectively. She will have an important role with Council Leader, Richard Clewer, to make sure the Business Plan is implemented.
She says she was drawn to the job by it's variety.
"I don't think in a role like this, you're going to get bored, that's for sure," she said, adding that it's an 'exciting opportunity'.
She also wanted to expand her area of responsibility.
"I came from, you know, the people side of the Council background, I had responsibility for children's adults, public health, housing, which is a large chunk of the Council, but there are other areas that I didn't have experience, but it's that opportunity to make further inroads."
Taking nothing for granted
In recent months, Council finances across the country have been a big talking point, with a number struggling.
However, Wiltshire is not among them - but Ms Townsend said they won't be taking anything for granted.
She said: "I think we are in a strong position, but we won't be resting on our laurels. I really want us to be the absolute best that we can for people in Wiltshire.
"We will have our challenges, and finances is at the forefront of that. An absolute priority is ensuring that we have good financial controls that our budgets are set appropriately and we have all of those systems in place to monitor and ensure that we remain on track."
She added that investment in preventative measures is allowing the council to feel a bit more stable than others.
Ms Townsend told us she's 'absolutely focused' on understanding where the council is performing well, and boosting areas of improvement to allow the county to be the best version of itself.