Published on Friday 17 August 2018
In the next exciting step for the new Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP), the first appointment has now been agreed.
Last month, the Shadow Senior Appointments Committee recommended Graham Farrant be appointed as the first Chief Executive of BCP Council, which goes live in April 2019. This was put forward and agreed by the full BCP Shadow Authority at its meeting on 17 October.
The recommendation follows a national search for the best candidate. All candidates went through a robust selection process which included technical interviews, psychometric behavioural testing, a full-day assessment centre and final panel interviews.
Graham has been Chief Executive at HM Land Registry and Chief Land Registrar since 2015. Graham will take up his new role full-time from 1 January 2019. Prior to this he will be supporting the Tier 2 recruitment process. Jane Portman will continue in her role as interim Head of Paid Service for the BCP Shadow Authority until Graham is in post.
Graham Farrant said: "I am absolutely delighted to be appointed to this role. The opportunity that reorganisation gives for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is fantastic and I am really looking forward to working with all to ensure the new council is a success."
Cllr Janet Walton, Leader of the Shadow BCP Authority, said: "I am pleased that members agreed to formally appoint Graham as the Chief Executive of the new BCP Council. I look forward to working closely with him and am certain that he will lead us into the new council successfully and take forward this exciting period of change and transformation."
Cllr Ray Nottage, Chairman of the Shadow BCP Authority, said: "The new BCP Council presents an exciting opportunity for our three towns.
"All local councils are facing significant challenges and we are developing new ways of working to help protect vital services to residents for the future. The appointment of a Chief Executive is part of that development and a fantastic step forwards."