Introduction from Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader
Our purpose is clear, we want to improve people’s lives. We are also delivering on our core priorities. Our priorities are set out in our Corporate Strategy (2023 to 2027) which was unanimously agreed by Full Council.
We’re recruiting for a new Chief Executive—and I want to tell you why this is one of the most exciting leadership roles in local government today.
Bath and North East Somerset is a place that truly sells itself. From our double-inscribed World Heritage city to the stunning countryside that surrounds it, it’s a place of beauty, history and opportunity. But what makes this role special isn’t just the setting—it’s the chance to lead a council that’s ambitious, forward-thinking, and ready to innovate.
Our current Chief Executive, Will Godfrey, has done a remarkable job in transforming the organisation. We’re now in a strong financial position, with a talented and committed workforce, and a clear appetite for bold ideas and creative leadership.
We’re looking for someone who thinks outside the box. Someone who’s confident, collaborative, and ready to drive change. You’ll be working with a high-performing team—from social care to heritage—and helping to shape the future of our area through major initiatives like our new Local Plan.
This is a district of contrasts. We have some of the most affluent communities in the country, and some of the most deprived. We’re home to global business leaders and to families facing real challenges. We have two outstanding universities, a thriving cultural sector, and ambitious regeneration plans—from Bath to the Somer Valley.
We need a Chief Executive who can navigate that complexity, connect with our communities, and work in partnership with organisations like UNESCO, the NHS, and the West of England Combined Authority.
It’s a genuine honour to lead this council—and I’m looking for someone who shares that sense of pride and purpose. Someone who wants to break new ground, empower our staff, and help us be a beacon of sustainable development and civic leadership.
If that sounds like you, on behalf of the Cabinet and Executive Leadership Team and all officers here at Bath & North East Somerset Council, we wish you a warm welcome, and look forward to hearing from you.
Please navigate around this website to find our corporate summary, and a little about what it’s like to live and work in Bath and North East Somerset.
Learn more about the role
Kevin Guy
Leader
