West and East Sussex county councils to share top management as part of 'solution for improvement'

All of West Sussex County Councillors will be asked tomorrow (Tuesday, 17) to allow the chief executive of East Sussex County Council to manage West Sussex's staff, as part of a 'radical new local solution for improvement in local government'. If they approve, it would mean the same person, Becky Shaw, would become the most senior staff member at both East Sussex and West Sussex county councils. According to County Hall in Chichester, the proposal going to the vote has come from a panel of councillors working together in the wake of a turbulent period of West Sussex's history. In the spring and summer of 2019, government watchdogs released highly critical inspectors' reports about the county's children's services, and its Fire and Rescue Service. Then, its former chief executive went "absent from duties" for over eight weeks before his departure was announced at the end of November. An acting chief executive—Lee Harris—had temporarily taken over the role, while numerous requests from More Radio to reveal future plans were rebuffed. At the same time, several improvement programmes were put in place by staff and councillors at West Sussex, including the appointment of a new Chief Fire Officer. But soon after, in October, the council's leader, Conservative Louise Goldsmith, relinquished her role at the top, returning to her life as a councillor representing a ward in Chichester. If the sharing of a chief executive is given the go-ahead, County Hall says East Sussex will become what's being called the 'corporate improvement partner' of West Sussex. Explaining the term, West Sussex's leader, Paul Marshall, said: "East Sussex County Council will provide us with the support and expertise we need to move forward and improve the services we offer our residents. "Becky is a trusted and well-established chief executive with a great track record in public service, and a fantastic reputation both locally and nationally." East Sussex's councillors are to be offered the same proposal on Wednesday (December, 18). Representing County Hall in Lewes, leader Keith Glazier commented on how the agreement could strengthen both counties in areas of joint interest, including transport, infrastructure, lobbying government and local arrangements for health and social care. He added: "We all benefit from stronger local services and good management, which is why we're confident this partnership would be valuable for East Sussex as well. "Working effectively with other organisations has always been one of our strengths, and I'm proud of a track record which means our neighbours see us as ideal improvement partners." If both councils approve the plans, Becky Shaw will become joint chief executive of West Sussex and East Sussex in January.   More Radio is continuously dedicated to providing a quality news service on-air and online, reporting local stories that matter across Sussex. If you enjoyed reading this story, then check out our home page at moreradio.online where you can find the latest from the county, along with features and competitions from our presenters, as well as listening to the station live. You can also sign up to our news alerts to receive updates on new stories. Simply click on the bell at the bottom right of the home page. This will then allow a pop-up which will ask if you would like to receive alerts. Press ‘allow’ and you’re all signed up!