Stephen is the CEO of Cambridgeshire County Council but is of particular interest to this podcast as he has undertaken senior leadership role in the NHS , local government, police service and nationally in NHS England.
Local Government is fundamentally about place, locally led by politicians and people Democratically elected to led with a mandate.
The differences between a local authority CEO and NHS CEO is the latter is accountable to Parliament as a n Accountable Officer, the former is “Head of paid service” and accountable to the councillors in the Council through collective leadership. Therefore a local authority is not directed by a single government department or Secretary of State - probably 4 or 5 central o-government departments that interlock with local authorities.
Stephen describes the skills of agility, listening and responding to residents, ensuing he triangulates views and opinions and remains very curious. Importantly a local authority CEO can not be active politically.
Setting thje culture right in the council is importantly -close vision and purpose; underpinned by 7 political ambitions. Role is to ensure there is not conflict between the politicians and council staff and sometimes operate as a heat shield and needs to be resilient.
Stephan described his optimism for the transformation that needs to take place and not getting sidetracked by local government re-organisations . There are huge opportunities with the Oxford to Cambridge development belt and he wants to ensure he eventually leaves well and leaves a good legacy for someone else to build upon.
Matthew Winn, podcast host and an experienced leader in healthcare in the UK.
