As part of Waveney District Council’s ongoing improvement programme under the leadership of new Chief Executive Stephen Baker, a revised, streamlined management structure has now been implemented with key appointments made.

Following the appointment of Alan McFarlane as Director of Resources, Arthur Charvonia has now been appointed to the new role of Assistant Chief Executive and Stephen Archer completes the senior team as Strategic Director. Mr Charvonia was formerly WDC’s Head of Legal and Democracy, while Mr Archer was formerly Waveney’s Director for Regeneration.

Further changes have also seen the number of Heads of Service reduced from 10 to six and Council Leader Mark Bee believes that the changes are a positive step forward. “We have made tough decisions and have been thorough and meticulous throughout this process. Our aim is to improve performance and service delivery and this new streamlined, efficient management model provides the perfect foundation to achieve this.”

Nevertheless, it is with regret that this streamlining has inevitably led to the departure of some well-respected and highly thought of senior managers. Linda Scase-Jones, Strategic Director for Commissioning & Customers, has now left Waveney District Council after a long period of illness and departs with the best wishes of everyone who has worked with her, including Cllr Bee who paid this tribute to her.

“The hardest part of a process such as this is losing good people and Linda has given many years loyal service to WDC, contributing a huge amount to the organisation. It is sad to lose someone of her undoubted capabilities and I have no doubt that she will be a success in whatever she now chooses to do.”