Graham Farrant, 64, will retire this summer after 47 years in government, leaving a legacy of achievements despite challenges.
He is proud of recent achievements, despite many challenges including reorganization and a pandemic. The council got a “good” rating for children’s services, and finances are strong with a balanced budget.
The council has a clear strategy and a way to measure performance. The work culture is positive, and they trained three chief executives for other councils. He enjoyed working with council members. He helped shape the new council, which serves a large community.
He valued his dedicated team. Their passion and feedback were helpful, and this was his longest chief executive role. He thanked everyone he worked with, including partners and the community and looks forward to its future. The area, he says, is a great place.
Council leader Millie Earl spoke highly of him, noting that he helped guide the council through challenges and supported residents during the pandemic. He navigated political change and financial issues, and encouraged colleagues to be positive.
She added that he and others brought financial stability, and children’s services greatly improved as a modern, efficient council formed. She valued his experience and advice with everyone. His enthusiasm inspired others and motivated them to serve residents well.
The council will start the process of hiring a new chief, hoping for a smooth change in September. Before this position, he led HM Land Registry, as well as Thurrock Council and Barking and Dagenham’s council. He also has 15 years of private sector experience.
In 2018, he became Bournemouth’s chief executive, starting in April 2019. His salary is £200k a year. He has seen many changes at BCP Council, noting there were five council leaders in six years.
His first leader lost a vote. He then joined another leader at FuturePlaces, a regeneration firm. He was chief executive during several leaders’ terms.
The council aims to pay the next chief around £200,000. Dorset Council is also hiring a new chief executive, as their chief took a job in New Zealand.