Press releases

Leadership Centre gears up for action

The Leadership Centre for Local Government has appointed Dr Wendy Thomson, head of the Office of Public Services Reform, as its new chief executive. Working with the centre's chair, Kate Priestley, she will be a driving force in building the skills and talents of leadership in England's local authorities.

Dr Thomson will take up the post on secondment from her present role as the Prime Minister's advisor on public services reform, from December 1. Initially this will be on a part-time basis, as she continues in her role as Head of the Office of Public Service Reform.

Dr Thomson is a well-known figure in local government: she was previously director of inspection at the Audit Commission. Before that, she was chief executive of the London Borough of Newham, where she led the council's radical approach to tackling poverty through regeneration and improving the performance of local services, during which time it won Management team of the year, and shortly after Council of the year.

Dr Thomson also served on the Government's Urban Task Force, which was chaired by Sir Richard Rogers. Before joining Newham, Wendy was chief executive of the national charity, Turning Point. Prior to that, she was assistant chief executive of the London Borough of Islington. She is on the board of the Work Foundation.

Dr Thomson was born in Montreal. She has an MSW from McGill University and a PhD from the University of Bristol. She writes on policy and public service management.

Commenting on the task ahead of her Dr Thomson said, "Leadership plays a key role in making places great to live in; places well-served by excellent public services. I am excited to be given the opportunity to get the Leadership Centre up and running. My first task will be to listen to what local authority officers and members want from leadership development, and how the centre can help. My continuing role in OPSR will also give me an excellent position to bring the experience of local leaders centre stage."

Kate Priestley added, "I am delighted that Wendy is joining us. Her appointment is a coup not just for the centre but for local government in general. Wendy brings with her extensive understanding of the contribution of leadership in making public sector organisations work more effectively. I am very pleased that she will be making that experience available to benefit local authorities throughout England. This appointment marks a gear-change in the activities of the centre and demonstrates our commitment to creating a world-class edge to local government leadership development."

Sir Andrew Turnbull, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service said: "I welcome this initiative to develop leadership in local government which parallels work in other parts of the public sector. Wendy's understanding of the public services and her extensive experience within a range of organisations make her well suited to take this forward. She will continue as Director of OPSR on a part-time basis."

Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford said: "I am delighted the Leadership Centre will have a chief executive with such a strong track record and commitment to excellence in public services. Wendy Thomson's appointment to this influential position will be a real asset."

Sir Brian Briscoe, chief executive of the Local Government Association welcomed Dr Thomson's appointment: "The LGA is delighted that Wendy is taking this role and we look forward to working with her."

David Clark from Solace said, "The Local Government Leadership Centre has a rare animal in Dr Wendy Thomson - a chief executive who has credibility both in the national civil service and in local government. Her appointment bodes well for the future of the centre."

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