The most senior public official in Surrey has been appointed- he joins a two tier structure here from a unitary council for Wiltshire. Meanwhile the interim / deputy chief executive of Surrey has got the chief executive role at West Sussex.
Surrey County Council has appointed Terence Herbert as its new Chief Executive. Terence, currently Chief Executive at Wiltshire Council, was chosen …
Surrey County Council appoints new Chief Executive
Surrey County Council has appointed Terence Herbert as its new Chief Executive.
Terence, currently Chief Executive at Wiltshire Council, was chosen after a robust recruitment process to find a replacement for Joanna Killian who has now moved to the Local Government Association.
Formal ratification was at an extraordinary Full Council meeting on 9 April 2024. Terence is expected to take over as Chief Executive in the summer.
Leader of Surrey County Council Tim Oliver said:“Terence is an outstanding leader bringing over 25 years of local government experience to the role, and it is excellent news that he will be joining us.
“Under his leadership, Wiltshire is regarded as a strong local authority – one of the largest unitary authorities in the country – with sound finances and a high-performing workforce.
“I am certain that he will be a tremendous asset to Surrey and is the right person to lead us as we face the challenges ahead.”
Terence said:“I am delighted to have been appointed as the Chief Executive of Surrey County Council. I’m looking forward to working with the leader, Members, staff and our partners to build on Surrey’s significant track record and lead the organisation through the next stage of its transformation in what continues to be a challenging time for local government.
“Having spent much of my earlier career in children’s services and mental health, I am passionate about delivering quality services for the most vulnerable residents across our communities. I know the importance of retaining a motivated and ambitious workforce with a focus on celebrating the success of our staff, so this is an area that will be a key priority for me.”
Terence joined Wiltshire Council in 2011, where he was appointed Chief Executive in June 2020. Prior to this he held a number of senior leadership roles including Head of Service for Safeguarding, Associate Director for Children’s Services, Executive Director for Children & Families, Leisure & Communities, Corporate Services and HR & Organisational Development, and Chief Executive Officer for People.
Terence began his career as a Registered Mental Nurse (RMN) and then qualified as a social worker, taking up posts in children’s services at the London Borough of Lewisham, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and North Somerset Council.
The appointment was also welcomed by the Lib Dem group leader at SCC Cllr Will Forster who was part of the interview panel.
SCC are an employer across Surrey with county hall now in Reigate and satellite hubs in among other locations Woking – and currently Leatherhead at Fairmount House on Bull Hill leased from the district council.
The historic County Hall in Kingston upon Thames was sold off in 2022.
Leatherhead Living 