New chief executive for Slough Council
Slough Borough Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Ruth Bagley as its new chief executive.
Ruth will be coming to Slough from South Hams District Council in Devon, where she has been chief executive since 2000.
South Hams is currently rated as an excellent council and has beacon status for housing and tourism.
Councillors at full Slough council on Thursday 22 February voted in favour of appointing Ruth to the position. She comes to Slough with many years' experience in senior management at councils including North Dorset District Council and Shropshire County Council.
Ruth is also one of the first chief executives to be invited to join a national leadership programme for chief executives in local government.
Speaking about her new role, Ruth said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been offered the role. I know I will be coming to Slough at an exciting time, particularly with the Heart of Slough project taking shape.
“I am also pleased to see that the council has maintained its three star (good) rating and is improving well. I am looking forward to building on this fantastic achievement with staff and partner organisations to continuously improve Slough’s services for the benefit of all residents.
“Some of the achievements I am proud of here in the South Hams have come from focusing on community needs and establishing strong partnerships.
“I know I will be using this experience in Slough to help develop, sustain and celebrate vibrant and prosperous communities.”
Richard Stokes, leader of Slough Borough Council, said: “I am very pleased that Ruth has accepted the offer to join us as Slough’s new Chief Executive. She comes to Slough with many years’ experience at a senior level in local government and I am confident she will lead the council on our journey from good to excellent.
“On behalf of all councillors and officers, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Ruth. We are all looking forward to working with her.”
Before her time at South Hams, Ruth worked for North Dorset District Council, Shropshire County Council and Gwent County Council.
Ruth will be joining Slough Borough Council in June. The current chief executive, Cheryl Coppell will be leaving Slough to join the London Borough of Havering as their chief executive on 9 March. Until Ruth joins the council, chief executive responsibilities will be shared among the directors’ team.
Slough Borough Council