Adur and Worthing Councils' chief executive to retire

Alex Bailey has announced he will step down after almost eight years at the helm.

In a note to staff announcing his departure he said it had been a privilege to work with them and with members of both councils.

"I think we have come a long way together and as you know I have consistently been impressed by some of the heights you have risen to in true public service,’" he said.

"The quality of your work and the love that you have shown for our communities has been at times stunning and I have been humbled to be part of it."

According to a councils spokesman, Bailey's leadership of the joint councils has seen a new emphasis on partnership with communities.

Under the policy direction set by the leaders of the two Conservative-run councils, Mr Bailey authored a number of documents setting out the strategy for the areas, Platform For Our Places, in which the councils were moved to be an enabler of community action.

The documents insisted the councils should give residents the tools to take action to improve their lives where possible and then 'get out of their way'.

The current Director For Communities, Dr Catherine Howe, has agreed to become Interim CEO until a substantive appointment is made in the late summer.

Dr Howe, whose work in social innovation and digital change included positions at Cancer Research UK, Capita, Public-i and the London Business School, joined the Councils last July.

The councils spokesman said she has an extensive track record of leadership across technological, social and innovation work and a strong interest in democracy and place.