Lucy Townsend appointed as Wiltshire Council’s new chief executive

Lucy Townsend, currently the corporate director - people at Wiltshire Council, was chosen after a recruitment process which included technical interviews, psychometric assessments, a full-day assessment with a variety of stakeholder panels and final panel interviews.

Subject to formal approval Lucy will take over as chief executive following the departure of Terence Herbert in August. Terence leaves Wiltshire Council after 13 years having been appointed as chief executive at Surrey County Council.

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Lucy Townsend is the new chief executive of Wiltshire Council (Image: Wiltshire Council)

Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “Lucy was an outstanding candidate and I’m delighted she has accepted the role of chief executive, following a very robust and competitive process. Lucy has a wealth of experience over many years, not only at Wiltshire Council, but across the local government sector and we are confident she will ensure Wiltshire remains one of the most efficient and effective councils in the country. 

“Lucy’s qualities, experience and commitment were demonstrated in the council’s children’s services achieving an Outstanding grade by Ofsted last year. We look forward to working with her to achieve our collective aims as a council at a crucial and challenging time for local government.”

Lucy said: “I am incredibly proud to be appointed as chief executive of Wiltshire Council. I am committed and passionate about local government and the vital role it plays and in helping to strengthen and empower our communities. 

“I can’t wait to get started, and will lead from the front taking a collaborative approach to help achieve the council’s vision, working side by side with our staff, residents, businesses and communities in a thriving and ambitious county.”

Lucy brings over 25 years’ local government experience to the role, beginning in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, Swindon Borough Council and North Somerset Council before starting with Wiltshire Council in 2014 as head of safeguarding and assessment. Between September 2017 to March 2020, Lucy was director of families and children’s services before being appointed to corporate director–people in July 2020. She also holds the statutory role of director of children’s services. 

She began her career in social work and management roles with the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham from 1998-2004. From 2004-2009 she worked for Swindon Borough Council as planning and commissioning manager and between 2009-2016 she worked as service leader at North Somerset Council before moving to Wiltshire.