New Chief Executive starts at Surrey County Council

Terence Herbert has today started as the new chief executive of Surrey County Council. 

Terence joins from Wiltshire Council, where he was appointed Chief Executive in June 2020. Prior to this he held a number of senior leadership roles including Head of Service for Safeguarding, Associate Director for Children’s Services, Executive Director for Children & Families, Leisure & Communities, Corporate Services and HR & Organisational Development, and Chief Executive Officer for People. 

Commenting on his arrival at Surrey, Terence stated: “I’m delighted to have joined Surrey County Council and it’s great to be getting started. Important work lies ahead as the organisation continues its transformation amidst challenging times for local government, but I know that together with the leader, Members, staff and our partners we are well equipped to deal with those challenges and build upon much of the great work the authority has done to date.  

“Throughout my time in local government I have always understood the importance of cultivating a motivated, ambitious, high-performing workforce and that will be no different here. I look forward to working with the talented staff at the council to deliver quality services and outcomes for the residents and businesses of Surrey.” 

Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council stated: “I am very pleased to welcome Terence to Surrey today as he officially starts as our new chief executive.  

“Terence has had a long and distinguished career in local government, and I have no doubt he is the right person to lead us through our next phase of improved delivery of the vital services that our residents depend upon. 

“Having spent much of his earlier career in children’s services and mental health, I also know that he is passionate about delivering quality services for those most vulnerable residents across our communities and will embrace our ambition that no one in Surrey is left behind.” 

Terence began his career as a Registered Mental Nurse (RMN) and then qualified as a social worker, taking up posts in children’s services at the London Borough of Lewisham, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and North Somerset Council.