County Council announces interim replacement for Andrea

Suffolk County Council’s Staff Appointments Committee has appointed Lucy Robinson as the authority’s interim Chief Executive.

The role is initially for a period of six months, during which time the recruitment of a permanent chief executive will take place. Ms Robinson has been appointed on a salary of £150,000 pro rata.

Key objectives for Ms Robinson will include; effectively managing the budget setting process, to ensure the required savings of £50 million are made over the next two years, develop effective relationships with partners and effectively engage with staff.

Ms Robinson brings a wealth of experience to the position, having held a number of roles across local and central government, most recently as Director for Economy, Skills and Environment with Suffolk County Council since 2002. Ms Robinson has an in depth understanding of not only the county council but also the needs of residents and partners. For the past three months Ms Robinson has been covering the role of Chief Executive.

Cllr Mark Bee, Leader of Suffolk County Council said: “I am delighted that Lucy has been appointed as Interim Chief Executive. Lucy offers not only a wealth of experience but also the personal skills and drive to begin building foundations for the future. 

“Over the coming years we are faced with a number of challenges, not least the need to save £50m over the next two years.

“I look forward to working with Lucy to deliver on our promises to the people of Suffolk – good quality, value for money services and keeping council tax down.”

For the Liberal Democrats, Kathy Pollard commented: "I am delighted that Lucy Robinson has accepted the role of interim Chief Executive at Suffolk County Council. She got the job on merit and the decision of the staff appointments committee was unanimous."

Lucy Robinson said: “I am delighted to be offered this role and look forward to working with Mark, Cabinet and councillors to meet their objectives.”

Ms Robinson will take up the role of Interim Chief Executive from 1 August.