A KEY leadership role at Carmarthenshire Council is being changed ahead of the recruitment of a new candidate.
Jake Morgan, director of community services, is leaving in a few weeks’ time to take up the chief executive job at Bridgend Council.
His current job focuses on social services and has responsibility for housing, leisure and cultural services, a public protection function, plus a deputy chief executive role.
The director of community services post is to be changed to director of social services and housing. The leisure, cultural services and public protection elements will be taken on by the council’s education department, and the council’s children and families role will move from education to social services and housing. The deputy chief executive role will also be discontinued.
Cllr Philip Hughes, cabinet member for workforce, told a meeting of full council the reconfigured post would provide greater service focus and cohesion, and a more equitable portfolio balance.
The community services’s net budget is around £140 million per year and is expected to grow as the county’s population ages and more people need care. The council is forecasting a 60% increase in the numbers needing care by 2043.
Cllr Martyn Palfreman sought clarifications on the changes to the post, adding that he had worked with Mr Morgan in various guises for more than 20 years. “Him not being around is going to be different for me and I’m sure many other people in the chamber, but I know we will all wish him well and I’m sure his career will go from strength to strength,” he said.
Speaking last month on his Bridgend Council chief executive appointment, Mr Morgan said: “This is an exciting opportunity, and I am looking forward to working alongside the staff and elected members of Bridgend County Borough Council to deliver positive outcomes for local residents.” He is due to start in July.
Bridgend Council leader John Spanswick said: “Not only does Jake possess all of the right qualities to offer Bridgend County Borough Council outstanding leadership, he has a clear understanding of the challenges that we face, and will enable the authority to build upon opportunities for protecting and improving services.”
