South Holland's new strategic advisor has leader's faith
A new "strategic advisor" has been chosen to help South Holland plan ahead for a shake-up in how council-tax funded services are run countywide.
Nathan Elvery has been selected for the role of interim "Head of Paid Service" at South Holland District Council, succeeding Anna Graves who announced her decision to step down last month after six years in the role.
District council leader Coun Gary Porter said he had "complete and utter faith" in Mr Elvery who will also have the same, part-time role for two days a week at Breckland Council in Suffolk until March 31, 2021.
Mr Elvery was previously chief executive of West Sussex County Council from June 2016 until November 2019 after a report found "inadequate and ineffective leadership" of its children's services department.
In a separate report, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was also criticised after "serious concerns about how it looks after its people".
During a special meeting of district councillors, held virtually on Thursday, Mr Elvery's appointment was approved by 28 votes, with none against and one abstention.
Coun Porter said: "I have complete and utter faith in Nathan and he's involved in the conversation between South Holland District Council and Lincolnshire County Council about devolution and reorganisation.
"I wasn't involved in the West Sussex County Council stuff, but I know the story behind the story and I'm confident in my own mind that Nathan is one of the top 12 chief executives in the country.
"Nathan was taken into West Sussex County Council to do a job and he delivered on three on the services there, but couldn't cut through on children's services."
Mr Elvery, previously also chief executive of Croydon Council between February 2013 and June 2016, was interviewed virtually by a panel made up of South Holland and Breckland council members on Wednesday.
During Thursday's special meeting, panel member and South Holland District Council deputy leader Coun Nick Worth said: "It was felt that the candidate possesses the right skills and experience to undertake the role.
"He has a wealth of experience in a number of senior, as well as being a chief executive, and is well-placed to provide the interim role we're seeking to assist the Breckland and South Holland partnership."
