Over recent months, we’ve made strong progress in shaping a leadership structure that better supports our long‑term priorities and strengthens how we work more effectively together as one council.
These developments follow formal consultation with trade unions and affected staff. In January, the Staff Terms and Conditions Committee considered the initial proposals for the strategic review and approved the start of consultation, with the final structure presented for determination in March.
Executive directors are committed to working closely with directors and heads of service to ensure teams feel supported throughout the transition. Some staff have already realigned from 1 April, helping to maintain momentum, continuity and stability across our services.
Recruitment is already underway, with some adverts live and others due to go live next week for key leadership roles.
Our aim is to have the new leadership structure in place by Friday, 1 May, supported by interim arrangements where needed while recruitment progresses. We will share updates on appointments over the coming months, with the aim of having leaders in post in September.
View our heads of service interim arrangements below.
This marks an exciting new chapter that will strengthen the way we work and support delivery of our shared priorities. It will also better enable us to work as one council to deliver our mission of improving lives, driving growth and working together, while building firm foundations for our future.
Paul Bellotti, Chief Executive, said: “This next phase of our leadership structure review marks important progress in delivering a council that is well positioned for the future. I want to thank colleagues for their continued professionalism as we move through implementation.
“The changes to our leadership structure put us on a strong footing to adapt and succeed as the demands and expectations on our services continue to grow.”
Stephen Hunt, director of planning and economic growth, said: “The revised structure provides a strong platform for how we work together, supporting closer collaboration, clearer alignment and a more efficient way of delivering our shared priorities. It also reinforces our ability to operate as one council, focused on improving lives and driving growth, while laying firm foundations for our longer‑term vision.
“As we become part of the new executive directorate of prosperity and place, I’m really looking forward to bringing us together as one team. There is already a great deal of strong work happening across our areas, and this new structure gives us a real opportunity to build on that by strengthening connections, supporting one another and developing a shared sense of purpose as we move forward together.”
Andy Parkinson, director of digital change and technology, said: “Over the past 18 months, we’ve built strong foundations, stabilising the finances, embedding a stronger performance culture, and investing in data, digital and AI to support long-term transformation.
"Most importantly, this has been a collective effort, and it gives me real confidence in what comes next. Transformation at this scale is a relay, not a sprint. We’ve made significant progress in the early stages, and the next phase will be about passing the baton to continue that momentum, bringing fresh perspectives and the specific capabilities needed to deliver at pace.
"With that in mind, I have decided to leave the organisation, having secured a new opportunity back in the private sector. However, I do so knowing the council is well positioned for the next stage of its transformation journey, with strong foundations in place and a clear direction of travel."