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 leaves to take up a new role with the Local Government Association. Subject to formal ratification at an extraordinary Full Council meeting on 9th April 2024, Terence is expected to take over as Chief Executive in the summer.
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 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.
Commenting, Leader of Surrey County Council, Cllr 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.”
Speaking on his new appointment, 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.”
