When I wrote my last blog as Chief Executive in May 2016 it never occurred to me that I’d write another one! But as you know, Phil is currently on long-term sickness absence and I’ve been appointed interim Chief Executive to provide cover.

Obviously, I hope Phil’s recovery will be full and quick, rendering my second spell here as short as possible. I know you’ll join me in wishing Phil well in his treatment and recovery.

Having spent the past few days at the Guildhall it’s been nice seeing some familiar faces, but also meeting the Corporate Management Team which has changed beyond recognition since I left almost three years ago.

I’ll be responsible for the full range of chief executive duties, but as I’m hopefully only here for a few months it’s important that I’m clear about what aspects I’ll be concentrating on and ensuring they keep moving forward until Phil’s return.

The first is the management of the senior team and providing “corporate grip”. I’ll be chairing the weekly CMT meetings, making sure we work corporately and focus on delivering our priorities. Our advice to Members needs to be fully thought through, giving solutions to the problems we face. We must help to deliver savings in a politically-sensitive way and taking into account the views of staff. I’ll also be identifying any weaknesses in the leadership team and proposing solutions.

The second area is around regional working. There’s quite a lot going on with the City Deal, health and social care and ERW, the regional education consortium. We need to be properly represented (not necessarily by me) to ensure these partnerships deliver for the region and its individual parts. I’ll be writing a weekly blog and I’ll update on the key issues facing us. In the meantime, thank you for your support and I look forward to seeing you in the next few months.