Thank you for your interest in coming to East Sussex. It’s a unique place, known for its vibrant cultural heritage, spectacular countryside and coastal landscapes, and diverse places and economies. The county has a distinctive blend of urban and rural characteristics which offer many opportunities and is highly valued by residents, businesses and visitors. However, it also presents practical challenges for the delivery of public services and tackling inequality.
It is this context that led to the councils in East Sussex to be an early mover in responding to the Government’s invitation to consider reorganisation. The councils already have a rich history of collaboration with each other as well as with partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors, to deliver high-quality public services and promote economic growth. While the current authorities are performing well and have a track record of achieving efficiencies through collaboration, there is a collective aspiration to deliver even more and even better for residents.
The One East Sussex LGR proposal was submitted to Government last September and we anticipate a decision being made on the direction of travel by mid-March. However, we recognise that there is much to do and the earlier we start the process of creating a new unitary council, the better our chances of delivering the highest quality services on behalf our residents.
Reporting directly to us, this role will provide effective programme management for the design and implementation of LGR in East Sussex. You will ensure the transition to the new council is planned, coordinated and successfully executed, rooted in strong partnership and collaboration and delivers improved services, stronger governance, financial sustainability and long-term outcomes for residents.
We believe this is a fabulous opportunity to help us create a brand new organisation. By starting the process now, we can build on our strong partnerships and consensus and create a new organisation that is set up to succeed from day one. And with devolution for Sussex moving ahead, you will be at the heart of creating the new public service architecture that will serve the people and businesses of East Sussex for years to come.
Although it might well be helpful if you have been through a previous iteration of local government reorganisation, having done so is by no means a prerequisite. More important to us is your proven track record in large scale, complex transformation that combines strong governance, partnership working and programme delivery with an acute understanding of how people can contribute to change and how they feel about it. You’ll be supporting our elected members and senior colleagues across all our councils on a complex and challenging journey, so you’ll need to bring a collaborative approach, resilience, credibility and integrity.
Finally, it’s worth saying that whilst this job could be offered on either a permanent or fixed term contract, your journey with us doesn’t need to stop on the day the new unitary council vests in April 2028. There will be much work to do to ensure the new unitary council is a success and plenty of opportunities for talented people to make a longer commitment to East Sussex.
We look forward to your application.
Becky Shaw, Chief Executive, East Sussex County Council
Lorna Ford, Chief Executive, Rother Council
Rob Cottrill, Chief Executive, Hastings, Eastbourne, and Lewes Councils