By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
North Somerset Council’s chief executive is set to step down to move to Gloucestershire County Council.
Jo Walker has held the non-political role running the council’s staff and services for six years. She has now announced her intention to step down on May 19 to become chief executive of Gloucestershire County Council, where she started local authority career.
Ms Walker said: “This has not been a decision I’ve made lightly. It’s been a privilege to serve the people of North Somerset and drive forward key initiatives which have benefitted the region’s economy, health and communities, with much more on the horizon.
“However, the opportunity arose for me to return to Gloucestershire and I’m looking forward to a new challenge. I’ll now work with my senior leadership team to ensure there is a smooth transition.”
North Somerset Council said Ms Walker had secured millions of pounds in government funding for local infrastructure and housing in North Somerset, as the chief executive representative for the West of England working with both the West of England Combined Authority and the Western Gateway regional partnership.
Ms Walker also sits on the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board; chairs the Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Health System Transformation Board; and is the lead chief executive in the South West for finance and children’s services, advocating and lobbying on behalf of all South West Councils with government officials and ministers.
North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell said: “Jo Walker has been instrumental to North Somerset Council in her time here and she will be sadly missed. Jo’s approach to leadership has always been inclusive and forward-thinking, prioritising transparency and open communication.
“Her time here at North Somerset Council is marked by a dedication to excellence and innovation and will make a lasting impact on the region’s future. We wish her all the best as she returns to Gloucestershire County Council as their new chief executive.”
Current Gloucestershire County Council chief executive Pete Bungard announced in November that he would be retiring in May after 20 years in the role. Ms Walker is joining the county council as it deliberates turning into a unitary authority like North Somerset. It has also been suggested that it could soon be divided into two councils: East Gloucestershire and West Gloucestershire.
A recruitment process will now begin for North Somerset Council’s new chief executive.