Bulky waste
Due to resource issues, we cannot take bulky waste phone calls today. The phone line will be open again at 9:30am on 22 April. We apologise for any inconvenience.
New council chief executive joins today
Our new chief executive Jess Gibbons has started at the council today.
Jess has said what an ‘absolute privilege’ it is to be chief executive and how she is looking forward to working with council staff, residents, communities and businesses.
On her first day she said: “I am very excited to be the council’s chief executive and to work with our staff, partners and councillors.”
‘Addressing the challenges’
“I can’t wait to build on the good work and continue to address the challenges I know our communities and residents are facing and that we’re facing as a council.”
Jess’s has moved from her role as Chief Operations Officer at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council where she was responsible for services including environment, infrastructure, regeneration, customer, arts and property, planning and destination, and commercial operations.
Previously Jess was Director for Communities and Neighbourhoods with Wiltshire Council, and Director of Community Services at the London Borough of Camden.
‘Use my knowledge and experience’
Jess added: “I will bring my knowledge and experience of working across the private, voluntary and local government sectors to the role and will drive forward the council’s plan to be a proud, healthy, fair and inclusive city for everyone.
“I’m a strong, determined and hard-working individual who is looking forward to working with council staff, residents, communities and businesses to ensure a better Brighton & Hove for all.”
Jess is moving to the city from Wiltshire and buying a flat here. She takes over from the council’s current interim Chief Executive Will Tuckley who joined the council last May.
Will leaves this Friday to ensure a smooth transition with Jess.
‘Crucial time for the council and the city’
Council leader Bella Sankey said: “I’m delighted that Jess has started at such a crucial time for the council and the city.
“We’ve been able to set a balanced budget for next year, and are in the process of redesigning how we work and how we are organised to become more responsive to residents and to improve the quality of our services.
“Jess’s wealth of experience in both a big city environment like Camden and also a seaside location like Bournemouth will prove invaluable in driving all these changes forward.
“Everyone at the council, including myself, the political leadership and staff at the council are very much looking forward to working with her.”