County Council Chief Executive to depart

The Chief Executive of Powys County Council, Dr Caroline Turner, will be leaving her position at the end of July.

Since she took on the role in February 2019, Dr Turner has overseen significant improvements in various areas of the council's operations and service delivery, earning praise from Estyn and Care Inspectorate Wales.

She also led the council's response to the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring that services were maintained despite the restrictions of lockdown rules.

Councillor James Gibson-Watt, the Leader of the Council, acknowledged the difficult circumstances in which Dr Turner joined the council and expressed gratitude for her contributions.

He stated, "Caroline joined Powys County Council in February 2019 at a very difficult time for the council. The past four years have seen improvements in many areas of the council's running and in the delivery of services, and this has been recognised by Estyn and Care Inspectorate Wales. Caroline led the council's response to the challenges posed by Covid from 2020 onwards, ensuring that services continued to be delivered within the constraints of lock-down rules."

Chair of Council, Bev Baynham, who has worked closely with Dr Turner, expressed appreciation for her support and guidance in her role as Chair. Baynham wished Dr Turner a full recovery from her battle with Long Covid and further success in the future.

Reflecting on her time at Powys County Council, Dr Caroline Turner commented, "It's been a privilege to work for Powys County Council over the past four years. I've enjoyed getting to know the councillors, staff across all services, and working with our partners to deliver services.

Powys is a beautiful and diverse county, and being able to travel the length and breadth of the county has been an added bonus as I visited every corner of the county. I will miss Powys Council but will continue to visit regularly."

While a permanent replacement is sought, Jack Straw will serve as the Interim Chief Executive. The council will commence the recruitment process immediately to find a new Chief Executive.