South Tyneside Council loses another top officer
David Slater takes job in Newcastle
It looks like it’s the season for starting new jobs. David Slater, South Tyneside’s executive director for regeneration and resources is following my lead by taking up a new job, he’s to become the executive director of environment and regeneration at Newcastle City Council.
I wonder if he’ll be setting the direction for the Lib-Dem council there, or singing in their band?
Mr. Slater has sent the following email to colleagues and councillors;
Dear All,
This is a personal message from me to say that I have been offered and accepted the post of Executive Director Environment and Regeneration at Newcastle City Council.
The announcement is being made today but I wanted you to hear it from me. I am going because the opportunity and the challenge in Newcastle is huge. I do feel considerable sadness because the team here is wonderful and I also know that we still have a lot to do.
I will be here for the next phase of the Strategic Partnership, to take us to a preferred bidder for Hebburn Town Centre and, I hope, to agree single status proposals with Trade Unions that their members would find acceptable in a further ballot.
So there is much to do including discussing and deciding how I will be replaced. I will keep you informed.
Labour turnover in South Tyneside seems to be on the increase again.
This is a subject I am interested in. I can’t help thinking of the phrase ‘jumping ship’. Seems to be a win-win situation. If the proposed Strategic Partnership is a success, he can revel in his glory and if ends up being a shambles, then he can say he had left before it was fully implemented. Please correct me if I am wrong. It wouldn’t be the first time high profile staff have left/resigned before the proverbial possibly hits the fan.
Curly, feel free to remove this if you see necessary.
Comment by DeeBe — February 14, 2008 @ 2:40 pm
I’m sure I’ve used the same phrase in the past Deebe!
Comment by curly — February 14, 2008 @ 7:51 pm
‘Partnerships’ seems to me to be the ‘buzz-word’ these days. Let me tell you a bit about these so called schemes. They sound great, they attract political groups and the media alike. This government loves this new concept of third-party funding - it takes the risks of 100% central funding away from the local authorities (via central government)and invites (mostly private) companies to be involved in schemes that will (supposedly) regenerate, modernise and attract new business into our area. I’m no expert, but the old phrase “life does not meet you half-way” seems to spring to mind. Not many of these so called ‘partnerships’ actually work, take it from me. It’s only a matter of time that the private element of the said partnership decides that they are in it for the money, rather than the ‘good of the customer’, so to speak.
So, before the brain-washing and spin merchants have you thinking otherwise, take a bit of free advice. “Always beware of strange men bearing gifts”……………
Comment by goldenfleece — February 15, 2008 @ 2:22 am