Following a slip of the tongue earlier in the week by a cabinet member, the Isle of Wight council Chief Executive Officer has now confirmed that the current Head of Place, Wendy Perera, has been appointed as his assistant.
CEO John Metcalfe told councillors in an email this afternoon,
“I am really pleased with the appointment and am very much looking forward to working alongside Wendy in her new role.
“She is a professional, dedicated, highly valued and well respected member of staff who, I know, will help us to continue on our improvement journey.”
Ms Perera, who received praise from councillors during the recent full council meeting, will take up her new position with effect from 1st August.
Update
The Isle of Wight council issued the following on Monday 23rd July.
The Isle of Wight Council has announced that its new assistant chief executive will be Wendy Perera, who is currently head of place.
It is the first role to be appointed as part of the recently announced senior management restructure.
The restructure aims to provide capacity to transform the way the organisation does its business – as recommended by the Local Government Association (LGA).
Wendy Perera has worked for the council for much of her career, including key roles in the planning department.
She has been involved in the development and adoption of the Island Core Strategy – the Island’s main planning framework – and also in award winning sustainable transport initiatives and the development of the West Wight Coastal Strategy.
In her new role, she will be leading on key initiatives, including the council’s priorities to generate income to underpin a more sustainable financial future, and the ambition for a One Public Service solution for the Island.
John Metcalfe, chief executive, said,
“Wendy is an outstanding officer with a strong track record of achievements and delivery within the council.
“Her experience is a perfect fit for this new significant role. She will help us to make the significant impact on the plans and aspirations that we have; quickly and effectively.
“Over many years she has demonstrated her commitment to the Island and also in continuing her own professional development.
“I am particularly keen that the council develops its employees, provides effective career paths and opportunities to enable colleagues to progress in their careers. Therefore, it is pleasing to me that this appointment recognises the talent and dedication we already have in the council and puts it to best use for the benefit of the organisation and the Island.”
Councillor Dave Stewart, leader of the council, said:
“This is a great appointment. Wendy has proved herself to a highly regarded professional, both inside the council and beyond.
“She will be leading on our key priorities and will be able to create capacity to support the chief executive as we move towards more integrated public services to benefit the Island.”
Image: M&R Glasgow under CC BY 2.0
