The City of Edinburgh Council’s new Chief Executive takes up her post this week. It is only normal to wish someone well in their new job, particularly as high profile as this one is and we at The Edinburgh Reporter certainly add our good wishes to Ms Bruce. The Edinburgh Evening News appears to accompany its good wishes with a few pieces of advice of their own. Their editorial last night is headed up “We wish you luck, Sue – you’ll need it” This is accompanied by an in-depth article (two-page spread) about the city’s debt, which they say is spiralling towards £1.3bn. The editorial then goes on to recommend a ‘shake-up’ at Waverley Court where they consider that ‘six huge service departments with directors on six-figure salaries is at least one too many. The departure of two directors, at the same time as your predecessor, is an ideal chance to make savings.’
We will have to wait and see what happens under the new leadership, but one thing is certain the financial state of the council has to be a number one priority, not just for the leader but all our elected councillors too.
Ms Bruce was formally appointed by the Council on 16 September and replaces Tom Aitchison who retired at the end of December.
Council Leader Cllr Jenny Dawe said: “I’m very pleased that Sue is now in position and able to start bringing her outstanding knowledge, experience and leadership to the role. She will no doubt have a difficult, but rewarding, time ahead as we deal with budgetary and other challenges in coming months and years. I am looking forward to working with her in the interests of the city and the people of Edinburgh.”
Sue Bruce said: “It’s exciting to be in this role at last, although a lot of work has been going on behind the scenes in recent months to help ensure a smooth transition. The Council has many skilled, experienced and committed staff, and I look forward to working with them and our elected members in serving our great capital city.”
Sue Bruce profile
Sue has worked in local government for more than 30 years, beginning her career in the education field. She was appointed to the Director role in East Dunbartonshire covering Education, Social Work, Housing and Cultural Services in 2000 and then Chief Executive in 2004.
Sue took up post as Chief Executive of Aberdeen City Council in December 2008. She has focussed on the complete re-structuring of services and a review of service performance, governance, accountability and financial performance. The Council satisfied the requirements of audit and inspection bodies in July 2009 resulting in the removal of special measures status.
Her qualifications include:
- Diploma in Youth Work and Community Service, Jordanhill College of Education
- MPhil in Government, University of Strathclyde
- LLB, University of Strathclyde
- Certificate in Strategic Public Sector Negotiation, JFK School of Government, Harvard
She is 55 and married. Her interests include the arts, reading and gardening, and is a Fellow of the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce).
In June 2010 she was the first public sector leader to receive the Prince’s Ambassador in Scotland Award. In October 2010 she received the Scottish Business Insider Public Sector Leader of the Year Award.
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