Manjeet Gill Appointed As Interim Chief Executive of Wokingham Borough Council
Manjeet Gill
Driving forward the 21st Century Council Programme, the sustainability and transformation partnerships and health agenda as well as the Local Development Plan are the aims of Wokingham Borough Council’s new interim chief executive Manjeet Gill.
Manjeet is taking over the reins following the departure of outgoing chief executive Andy Couldrick earlier this month. After a rigorous recruitment process, Personnel Board has appointed Manjeet as the interim chief executive and she will take up the role on September 7.
Chief Executive
Manjeet is a highly successful and experienced chief executive whose experience at a senior level spans the local government, housing and health sectors. For the past seven years, she has been chief executive of West Lindsey District Council as well as holding several positions for Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Recently she also held the position of Chair of Greater Lincolnshire One Public Estate Board.
At West Lindsey District Council she spearheaded commercial, efficiency and digital investment programmes, and new operating models, after the council saw its government grants cut by 50 per cent.
She has also successfully turned around three organisations in special measures and developed partnerships to deliver a number of shared services offering greater resilience for ICT and procurement services. Manjeet has nearly 30 years’ experience in local government; originally qualifying as an environmental health officer.
Speaking on her appointment, Manjeet said: “I am struck by how ambitious, collaborative and progressive Wokingham Borough Council is, despite the hard challenges of budget cuts to deliver its community priorities such as quality children, health and housing services. I am equally ambitious, and will work with councillors, staff and partners to help achieve the highest standards for the Borough with new ways of working that embrace a more customer and commercial focus.”
Council Leader
Council leader Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor said: “Manjeet brings with her a wealth of experience in partnership working, and she has been extremely successful in lobbying and influencing at a local, regional and national level on behalf of the councils she has worked with. These skills will bring huge benefits to Wokingham Borough Council. We were impressed with her energy and enthusiasm. Whilst there are challenging times ahead, I am sure that the council will continue to flourish under her strong and innovative leadership. I wish her very success in the role.”
The Personnel Board agreed at its meeting in June, that the authority should cover Andy Couldrick’s departure through interim arrangements. As head of paid service, Manjeet will lead the authority for a period of at least six months until a permanent chief executive is appointed. The recruitment process for the long-term successor has already started.
