New Joint Strategic Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer appointment

The appointment of Richard Bates as the Joint Strategic Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer for Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils has been approved by both councils.

Guildford borough councillors supported the appointment at the Extraordinary Full Council meeting on 16 April 2024. Waverley borough councillors approved the appointment at their council meeting on 23 April 2024.

The Joint Strategic Director of Finance and Section 151 (S151) Officer is a key role and part of the Corporate Management Board at Waverley and Guildford Borough Councils.

Mr Bates has been in the role of interim Executive Head of Finance and S151 Officer since 17 July 2023. More recently he took on the role of Interim Joint Strategic Director of Finance.

Mr Bates is a qualified accountant and experienced local authority Chief Financial Officer. He has previously held the S151 Officer role at Dorset County Council and interim S151 Officer at Mendip District Council.

Joint Chief Executive of Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils, Pedro Wrobel, said:

“Richard is a fantastic finance leader who is passionate about making Guildford and Waverley brilliant places to live, work and do business.

He was instrumental in setting a balanced budget at both councils and I could not be more delighted that he has decided to join the team on a permanent basis.”

Notes for Editors:

Appointment to the role is essential to ensure that both Councils meet the statutory requirements of Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972.

The Guildford and Waverley Joint Senior Staff Committee comprises of senior councillors from across parties and both councils.

The appointment is subject to no material or well-founded objection being made by either of the two council leaders on behalf of their respective Executives. This is in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 5 of Part II of Schedule 1 to the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) Regulations 2001.