Senior management restructure complete
The appointment of Mark Rogers as Chief Executive and Director of Economy (Head of Paid Service) was ratified at a meeting of the full Birmingham City Council earlier this month. He will take up his role at the beginning of March 2014.
Paul Dransfield has been appointed as the new Deputy Chief Executive to complete the council's restructure of senior management. Paul is the current Strategic Director for Corporate Resources and joined the council in 2007 from Derby City Council.
Birmingham City Council has been restructuring its senior management since the autumn last year, in response to both the severe financial pressure it is under and the decision by the current Chief Executive, Stephen Hughes, to retire at the end of February 2014.
Sir Albert Bore, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Local government is undergoing fundamental change and, in times of austerity, it is absolutely right that we reshape the council, including senior management, to meet new ways of structuring and delivering services.”
The number of city council directorates has reduced from five to three and the number of senior officers from six to four. Peter Hay now heads-up the new 'People' directorate, which includes children's services; and Sharon Lea the new 'Place' directorate, delivering localisation.
As a result of the council undergoing a restructure of senior management, with three new directorates - People, Place and Economy - Mark Barrow, Strategic Director for Development and Culture, has decided that this is an appropriate opportunity for him to consider a new direction in life and therefore, he will leave the city council at the end January 2014.
Sir Albert added: “Mark has shown tremendous commitment to both the council and the city and, working with partners, we are proud of what has been achieved in terms of the investment, development, and growth in confidence in Birmingham as a place to do business. I wish Mark every success in the future.”
Notes to editors
• The three new directorates are:
o Economy - bringing jobs to the city and helping local people access these jobs, in addition to the Corporate Resources functions;
o People - looking after education needs, protecting young people, supporting people and families, tackling domestic violence, substance misuse and troubled families, helping disabled people and those with mental health or learning disabilities, public health and looking after older people;
o Place - delivering localisation and clean, green and safe neighbourhoods.
• The appointment of Paul Dransfield as Deputy Chief Executive is expected to be ratified by the Employment and Human Resources Committee at its meeting on 28 January 2014.
