A NEW chief executive has been appointed at South Somerset District Council.

Jane Portman was confirmed as the new supremo at a full council meeting last night (Thursday).

She joins on an 18-month interim basis at a time of great uncertainty as the Government prepares to scrap its four district councils ahead of setting up a unitary body running Somerset's affairs.

Ms Portman, who boasts a 35-year career in public services, takes up her post on August 16.

She said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the new chief executive of South Somerset District Council, and am very much looking forward to working with members, staff and partners to continue to deliver excellent public services to residents, businesses and visitors, as well as playing a key role in any local government reorganisation."

She began working in education before taking on children’s services and adult social care services.

She became managing director of Bournemouth Council in April 2017, after 10 years as an executive director at the council, and following four years working at Borough of Poole Council.

During her time at Bournemouth, Ms Portman was instrumental in creating the countywide Aspire Adoption Agency and adult social care provider Tricuro, as well as turning around the Bournemouth education system.

She also played a leading role in the local government reorganisation programme across Dorset which led to the recent creation of two new unitary councils.

She has been recruited following the resignation from SSDC chief executive Alex Parmley, who is taking up the role of chief executive of Waitaki District Council, in New Zealand, after successfully overseeing a transformation programme and a wide range of other initiatives and projects.

Nicola Hix, director of strategy and support services, will fill in as head of paid service until August 16, while Jill Byron, the council’s legal and monitoring officer, has been appointed as returning officer and electoral registration officer on an interim basis for 18 months.

Council leader Val Keitch said: “We are incredibly excited to have Jane join us and we are sure that her broad experience and clear leadership skills will be immensely beneficial to us as we await the Government’s decision on the future of local government services in Somerset.

“We have a range of projects to deliver for the benefit for our communities from our plans to regenerate Yeovil, Chard and Wincanton to leading the recovery of our communities from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Whilst there is some uncertainty ahead for the council, we are very confident that Jane will lead this council effectively to ensure the services we offer continue to improve and that the council’s ambitions for South Somerset and the needs of communities are delivered through priority projects and programmes.

“Jane and our senior leadership team will also ensure that change in local government in Somerset is taken forward successfully, whatever its shape, though clearly our preference, and the preference of Somerset residents, is to see the creation of two new unitary councils.”