Somerset Council’s Newly Appointed Chief Financial Officer Withdraws From Role
Somerset Council is facing ongoing challenges in appointing a permanent chief financial officer (CFO) after Rachael Sanders, who was appointed in March, has withdrawn from the position due to personal reasons. The role, which carries a salary of approximately ÂŁ150,000 per year, remains vacant amid wider difficulties in recruiting qualified candidates for this critical post.
Ongoing Recruitment Issues
The council has experienced a prolonged struggle to secure a permanent CFO, a key role responsible by law for overseeing the council’s budget and controlling day-to-day financial spending on public services. In the absence of a permanent appointment, Somerset Council has relied on a succession of interim finance officers. The most recent interim CFO, Clive Heaphy, who commands a cost of around £7,000 per week, will continue in the position until March 2027. He will carry the responsibility of guiding the council through to its next budget cycle.
Leadership Response
Bill Revans, the Liberal Democrat leader of the council, expressed disappointment over Ms. Sanders’ decision to withdraw but acknowledged the nationwide shortage of experienced finance officers in the public sector. “There is a shortage of people to do this role all over the country, so lots of councils are struggling to recruit,” he said.
Revans emphasized the seriousness of the council’s financial situation, noting that Somerset is in a fragile state but currently in a "recovery phase" following the financial emergency it declared three years ago. He added that bringing in external expertise, albeit costly, remains necessary to help the authority regain financial stability and avoid bankruptcy.
Opposition Concerns
The Conservative opposition, led by Councillor Diogo Rodrigues, highlighted concerns about instability within the council’s leadership. Rodrigues criticized the council’s reliance on expensive temporary agency staff, remarking, "The current temporary finance officer is paid something like ÂŁ7,000 a week. That’s a load more than we would be paying a permanent member of staff."
Next Steps for Somerset Council
The council is actively developing plans to recruit a new, permanent chief financial officer to provide long-term financial leadership. Until then, Clive Heaphy will continue in the interim role to ensure continuity and oversight of public spending as Somerset Council navigates its ongoing financial challenges.
The need for a strong and stable finance function remains a crucial priority for the authority as it works toward financial recovery and the delivery of public services to residents.
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