RECRUITMENT has begun for the chief executive post at the new unitary councils of Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness.

Adverts for the head of paid service at the new councils are now live at https://newcouncilsforcumbria.info/ and applicants are being asked to apply before 9 am on Monday July 4.

Cumberland Council is set to take over from Cumbria County Council, Carlisle City Council and the borough councils of Allerdale and Copeland by April 1, 2023.

Westmorland & Furness Council will takeover in Eden, South Lakeland and Barrow-in-Furness on the same date at which point the existing councils in those areas will be abolished.

READ MORE: Cumberland Council holds historic first meeting in Carlisle

The posts of CEO in the two new areas are described as  ‘a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape and lead one of two brand new councils for Cumbria’.

They will be encouraged to ‘shape public services for the better, build on the best and transform public services for the future’.

Cllr Mark Fryer, Leader of the Shadow Authority for Cumberland Council, said:

“Our focus is the people of Cumberland. We want to create the best set of services for our communities to ensure all our residents will be getting the help and support they need.

“The recruitment of a new Chief Executive is an important step forward towards the new Cumberland Council coming into place next April.

“The successful candidate, working closely with members, will be at the forefront of leading and creating Cumberland Council - a brand new organisation that has been created following the biggest change to local government in Cumbria since 1974.

“We are looking for an inspirational leader, brimming with energy who is committed to driving forward positive change for the area, delivering quality services that will make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Interim chief executives have been appointed to the councils while they operate as Shadow Authorities.

Shadow Authorities operate alongside the existing councils for one year until preparations and the transition is complete.

READ MORE: Cumberland Council leadership holds inaugural meeting

Cllr Jonathan Brook, Leader of the Shadow Authority for Westmorland and Furness Council, added: “We want to ensure that our customers and our communities are at the heart of everything we do and will design services around our communities’ needs.

“While still in our early days we are already focussing on the organisational culture we want, work has already started on developing a new set of values that will be at our very core - values that will include openness, honesty, transparency and leading by example.

“We are looking for someone with the right qualities and experience to oversee an ambitious programme of transformation and be committed to delivering quality services to residents and businesses.

“This is a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity, to shape and lead a brand-new council. An ambitious council that will shape public services for the better, building on the best and transforming public services for the future.”

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