Saff Exodus and Leadership Shake-up at Waverley Borough Council Amid Designation Threat

Waverley Borough Council's struggle to avert designation has taken a turn for the worse as a series of events unfolds, threatening the Council's stability. Notably, the Council is grappling with a massive staff exodus, including the loss of key officials, and now faces a leadership vacuum following the announcement by the Joint Chief Executive Officer of Guildford Borough Council & Waverley Borough Council, Tom Horwood, that he intends to leave his post in February next year. In a message to staff, Horwood cited his decision as stemming from a health scare and not prompted "by any single thing." His departure will further disrupt the leadership structure at a critical juncture.

The saga began earlier this year when, on January 17, 2023, the Director of Planning for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) raised concerns about the Council's performance due to its failure to meet the 70% minimum threshold for non-major applications between October 2020 and September 2022. The Council's initial response to this threat was met with further scrutiny, prompting a subsequent request for a revised response by July 14, 2023.

However, the situation has grown increasingly dire. Within months, Waverley Council witnessed a staggering staff turnover rate, This underscores both the Council's struggles in recruiting and retaining skilled personnel, a challenge exacerbated by the heavy reliance on contractors who can depart with just a week's notice. The Council's ability to build effective teams with local knowledge and competence has been severely hampered, impacting the quality of planning services and staff morale.

Adding to the turmoil, key officials have departed from the Council in recent months. The departure of Daniel Bainbridge, the Borough Solicitor, raises concerns about legal guidance and expertise. The exit of Zac Ellwood, the Chief Planning Officer, leaves a leadership void in the planning department, a crucial role in the face of potential designation. The loss of Peter Vickers, the Chief Finance Officer, heightens financial management worries.

It could be argued that the Council's response to the designation threat, while featuring some operational changes, appears insufficient in light of the mounting challenges. Measures such as the reduction of Committees and an amended scheme of delegation may be perceived as reactive rather than comprehensive solutions. The exodus of key officials and the impending departure of the Joint Chief Executive Officer add layers of uncertainty to the Council's ability to navigate these challenges effectively.

As the threat of designation continues to loom, Waverley Borough Council faces an increasingly complex situation, marked by a talent drain and severe leadership instability. Residents should watch how this unfolds closely, especially whether the council can competently display the capacity to manage this crises effectively and ensure the continuity of essential services for Waverley's residents.