New Director of Resources takes up position
Rossendale Borough Council has appointed Chris Warren as its new Director of Resources.
Chris joins the council with extensive experience in both the private and public sectors. He began his career in finance, training in private practice and qualifying in 1994 and has spent the last five years as a Head of Service within the finance team at Lancashire County Council (LCC). During his time at LCC, he led the team through one of the largest transformations the council has undertaken in the last decade, overseeing the implementation of its new core financial management system. He also played a critical role in managing the £1.2 billion schools budget and driving financial initiatives across the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) agenda.
Chris commented on his appointment, saying: "I'm passionate about delivering best value for public money and continuous improvement. The opportunity to work for Rossendale Borough Council, which does great things for its residents, really attracted me to this role.”
He also acknowledged some of the challenges facing local authorities today, including the uncertain future of public sector finance. He said: “The state of public sector finance and the need for a revised funding model will be a challenge. Ensuring that every pound is used efficiently is going to be crucial for all of us working in local government.”
RBC Chief Executive Rob Huntington said: “We are delighted to welcome Chris to the Council. His wealth of experience, particularly his leadership during a major transformation at LCC, will be invaluable as we continue to navigate challenging financial times. His expertise and passion for continuous improvement will help ensure that we deliver the best possible outcomes for our residents.”
Chris also spoke of what he’s looking forward to in his new role: “I’m excited to work with a range of new colleagues and elected members who have already made me feel so welcome. They are clearly passionate about what they do, and I look forward to contributing to the delivery of the ambitious and hugely beneficial masterplans for our towns.”