Marc Griffin by Isle of Wight council

One of the last highways PFI team members is to leave IW council

One of the last remaining major figures in the Isle of Wight council’s roads PFI team is to leave at the end of February.

At about 12:30 today, Bill Murphy, currently Head of Planning & Regulatory Services at the council, wrote to all elected Members :-

I am writing to inform you that Marc (Griffin) will be leaving the Isle of Wight Council on 28th February 2014 to take up an appointment with Portsmouth City Council.

Marc has said “this is a decision in respect of my future career and I would like to record that I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working for the Isle of Wight Council during the 6 year period. I will be working with Bill Murphy over the coming weeks in respect of handover issues and to assist him in preparing to backfill my position”.

I would like to thank Marc for all his efforts; he has been an asset to the Council and will bring a high level of knowledge and enthusiasm to his new employer. On behalf of the Council I wish him well in his new position at Portsmouth.

History
Back in the ‘pre-Island Roads become formed days’, when the council funded a PFI team of 13 staff members, including PFI Programme Director, Jay Jayasundara, on a £185k/year package, Marc had the title of Technical Contracts Manager (Wow, thanks again to wightgeek, it’s great having the ability to look back at the council’s old Website, before all such details were erased when the ‘improved’ IWC Website was launched).

Marc’s LinkedIn page tells us, he was connected to the Isle of Wight council Roads PFI for a total of five years and four months.

Prior to that, it says that he was working at the council, on contract, as a Bridge Design Engineer.

Video
Such was his seniority in the project that the council chose him to front a video to inform all of us ‘What will we see?’ from the PFI.

Image: Isle of Wight council

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Mike Cave
7, February 2014 5:05 pm

I am convinced that the PFI contract with Island Roads is an absolute disaster. I hope I am wrong but all the signs of all talk and no action are there. The choice of roads to resurface first beggars belief. Cockelton Lane is a prime example. Why? The previous council have a lot to answer for and we might rue the day that this contract was given.

bayboy
Reply to  Mike Cave
8, February 2014 5:17 pm

Have you asked why? There is a logical plan that does seem strange to those who dont know why roads are being done in a specific order. Our town council has been briefed and it does make sense.

gullible's travels
7, February 2014 5:47 pm

If you constantly shift around in apparent unease and shake your head in disbelief at your own words, then what kind of person are you?!

The Sciolist
7, February 2014 5:49 pm

I concur. These people are now closing the town of Yarmouth.

The only alternative route takes ages and at present some of that is also closed.

Island Roads planning is comical without the laughs.

Cllr Chris Whitehouse
7, February 2014 7:49 pm

Marc Griffin has been an exemplary council officer: hard working, dedicated, effective and a pleasure to work with. Staff of his calibre are hard to find and he will be sorely missed. He is highly thought-of by his officer colleagues and Council Members alike. I for one wish him every possible success for his future.

Cllr Chris Whitehouse
(Newport West Ward).

steve s
Reply to  Cllr Chris Whitehouse
7, February 2014 8:48 pm

I can’t believe I’m saying this but I had to give Chris Whitehouse an up arrow! Marc Griffin is an excellent local government officer and will be greatly missed.

Jacqui
7, February 2014 8:14 pm

This man says one thing yet his body language says another. In my world shaking the head from side to side is a negative. He speaks positive yet his head says negative. Very interesting. And what’s with the rubbish guitar music in the background?

tiki
8, February 2014 4:18 pm

More importantly why is Edward Giles one of Island Roads ”lay assessors”.

Steve Goodman
Reply to  tiki
9, February 2014 10:21 am

At last: Eddie agrees with me on a PFI roads issue! (“Steve Goodman’s comment is rated +3 30.Jan.2014 8:30am If more assessors are needed, there are others with a keen interest & time to spare now, like Eddie Giles & his friends.”) How much does his role in the signing of the contact have to do with the loss of his seat resulting in him having the… Read more »

greenfiremouse
Reply to  Steve Goodman
9, February 2014 11:17 am

This reminds me slightly of Keith Simmonds recently been given the role of “consultant” at Cowes Enterprise College by the Chair of Governors (with “expertise” in what field exactly???).
It may be legal and can’t therefore not be officially called corruption, but it really makes you think.

The Sciolist
9, February 2014 11:31 am

Just like every person soundly rejected by the electorate, Edward Giles should just retire from public life.

The fact that he is now working with Island Roads is plain wrong – just like his ridiculous claim that the PFI would bring a billion pounds in economic benefit to the Isle.

John Nash
9, February 2014 11:43 pm

As I write this comment Undercliff Drive is collapsing at the Undercliff Glen site. This has been inevitable for several years. As the Council’s Cabinet report in 2007 said: “It could be argued that this project does not necessarily offer value for money as any work would be carried out on an active landslide.”. The Council then voted to abandon the notorious and unsustainable High-Point Rendel scheme.… Read more »

D A FARMER
20, February 2014 12:02 pm

Having read comments regarding Marc Griffin I must say that far from being helpful he has dismissed the problem of resurfacing roads with material that is dangerous to horses in an offhanded manner despite admitting that this is the case.Even one of the consultants for island roads has admitted that vibrovia does not meet the requirements for all road users.The council has a legal obligation to all… Read more »

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