Change is a constant in local government. That’s a big challenge, but it is also an opportunity.
Together we are … Changing
We want to maximise our potential as a unitary council to improve our efficiency and effectiveness and working with residents in different ways to provide excellent services. We want to do this in a way that is distinctively ours – something we are referring to as ‘Doing it the Westmorland and Furness way’. This is about using our council vision and values to drive what we do in a way that we can afford over the long term.
In our first year we focused on stabilisation; bringing together services, teams, systems, and processes – helping us move from four organisations to one, not just legally but operationally and culturally too. Our priority is getting the basics right, like our ICT and HR systems, so that we can work as one team.
As we move into year three, services across the council are now starting to think about how they need to change. And we need to manage that process of change in a way that minimises confusion for our employees and residents, and maximises improved efficiency and effectiveness. Alongside change we also have a responsibility to be financially sustainable so understanding how we work within our financial envelope as well as maximising productivity and collaboration will help ensure we deliver improvements and demonstrate value for money.
Sam Plum
Chief Executive, Westmorland and Furness Council
Westmorland and Furness Council was formed on 1st April 2023, with an ambition for sustainable and inclusive growth and a commitment to making Westmorland and Furness a great place to live, work and thrive.
We’re really proud of what we’ve achieved over the last 2 years, bringing together the four previous local authorities, whilst moving our new organisation onto a firm financial footing and transferring the Cumbria Pension Fund over to ourselves as the new Administering Authority.
With exciting times ahead, including the fantastic £200m investment in the Team Barrow Transformation Fund and the opportunities arising from the government’s devolution agenda, we are now seeking to appoint a new Director of Resources to build on our strong foundations and help us to move into the next, exciting, stage of our development.
We’re looking for an experienced and inspirational candidate; someone who can bring energy and commitment to the role, and who is dedicated to delivering quality services that will make a real difference to people’s lives. An inspiring and collaborative leader, you’ll have a track record in building relationships, leading on transformational change, and delivering service improvements and better outcomes and supporting the delivery of the desired culture and vision of the organisation, embedding this throughout the wider teams.
As the Council’s statutory Section 151 Officer you’ll provide leadership to the organisation and across the Leadership Team, as well as working closely with Elected members, the Chief Executive, and Monitoring Officer. You’ll also be the Council’s principal financial advisor, leading on the pension administration provision for the organisation and ensuring that public money is always safeguarded and used appropriately, economically, efficiently, and effectively. You will also be responsible for leading the strategic development of the Commissioning and Procurement service, and managing and maintaining the Councils Corporate Assets, Fleet and Capital Programme.
This is a fantastic opportunity for the right person, so if you are talented, motivated, and committed to improving our amazing area, then we would like to hear from you.
If you would like an informal conversation about this exciting opportunity, please contact our advising consultants at Penna: Kelly Ridley on
07709 512415 or Nick Raper on 07715 690463.
For more information about the role, please view the below attachments.
We are a caring council. We are dedicated to supporting your health and wellbeing while you are working for us. We have a variety of fantastic benefits that ensure you can achieve a healthy work-life balance.
If you want to find out more about our benefits and working for Westmorland and Furness, please visit the link below.
Thank you for your interest in joining Westmorland and Furness Council. We are committed to building a diverse and skilled workforce that reflects the character of our community.
We believe in treating all applicants fairly and without bias. Our recruitment process is designed to be open, inclusive, and supportive, ensuring that you feel valued and able to demonstrate your strengths. We aim to make the process as transparent and equitable as possible for everyone.
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all employees, volunteers and workers to share this commitment.
Disclosure and Barring Service checks will be undertaken according to the responsibilities of the role.
To register your details and to apply, please visit: Director of Resources (S151)
If you would like an informal conversation about this exciting opportunity, please contact our advising consultants at Penna: Kelly Ridley on 07709 512415 or Nick Raper on 07715 690463.
Closing date for applications: Tuesday 11th March 2025
Technical interviews: W/C 24th / 31st March 2025
Final interviews: Tuesday 29th April 2025
By area, Westmorland and Furness is the third largest unitary local authority area in England and the most sparsely populated. It is home to some of the country’s most stunning landscapes and its most hi-tech businesses. On our coast is Barrow-in-Furness, a busy shipbuilding town and port with cutting edge sub-sea technology industries, while inland South Lakeland and Eden have a rural, land-based economy with a strong visitor and cultural economy.
To see more of Westmorland and Furness, the beautiful area we serve, take a look at this video.