Mansfield District Council appoint new interim chief operating officer

Bev Smith, who has been the council’s corporate director for regeneration and regulation since 2009, takes up the role.

It follows the announcement at an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday, September 2 that managing director Ruth Marlow had left by mutual consent.

The authority announced the decision following weeks of speculation during which the Chad was told she had been ‘on leave’.

At the same meeting, Labour councillor Katrina Atherton was also removed as chairman.

Executive Mayor Kate Allsop said: “Bev is an excellent officer, with considerable knowledge and experience and I am confident that she will provide valuable strategic and operational leadership over the coming months.

“Together we will be looking to develop and implement a permanent senior management structure that will meet our future needs. We will now focus on achieving our priorities and delivering the best possible services for the people in our community.”

The role will include providing strategic and operational leadership and incorporates the duties of returning officer and head of paid service - a legally required position.

The interim chief operating officer will remain in post until 31 March 2016.