12 October 2011

Solace outlines role of council chief executives


The body representing council chief executives has published a statement on the role of council chief executives.

The document acknowledges that the role 'is ‘not well understood’ and refers to a background climate of ‘persistent briefings by senior government figures questioning the role, value and remuneration’.

The document is timely given current politcal pressure on the role. Wiltshire Council has opted to axe the role and others are considering the future of the top post.

The Solace document  mentions that the current ‘popularity’ for councils to consider the removal of chief executives is ‘not a new concept’ and one which eventually results in authorities reverting back to established structures.

Under managerial leadership, the document states a chief executive should ‘think creatively’ and have ‘high levels of analytical skills’. In terms of being a chief political advisor, the document is clear that ‘part of what a chief executive is paid for is to be brave and to speak truth to power’.

Finally under the special relationship the document makes clear the complexity of the relationship between chief executive and leader, with its possibility for ‘tension and potential conflict’ and the importance of establishing trust to prevent the issues arising.

The document concludes by stating this relationship when it works is an ‘exceptional thing’ and ‘it’s a brave leader who embarks on their political journey without it.’   



Your comments

"All generalisations are dangerous including this one" If a CEO was in charge of a company with 30-40,000 staff would they earn ?200k probably not they would be earning considerably more and they wouldn't necessarily be more comptetant. Like most senior managers there are good ones and bad ones. Whether we like it or not organisations need leaders and they are usually well paid, the key is making sure they earn their money.

Stephen Reimer, Added: Monday, 17 October 2011 02:38 PM

There is no problem having a cheif executive. The problem comes in paying extortionate amounts of money (which they would have no chance of earning in the private sector)to very average people

Les Bullock, Added: Friday, 14 October 2011 09:58 AM

What is the difference between a brave chief executive and a "boomerang" chief executive? One expects come back and the other does comeback.

Blair Mcpherson, Added: Wednesday, 12 October 2011 03:01 PM



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