A CHIEF executive has been appointed to take the helm at Worcestershire County Council.

Trish Haines has been recommended to the position following a decision by the appointments panel but the decision needs to be ratified at the next full council meeting on Thursday, November 29.

She would then take up the reins in March. Trish Haines has been chief executive of Reading Borough Council since 2002, having previously been director of social services at Warwickshire County Council and held management posts in local authorities in Berkshire and Suffolk. Earlier in her career she also worked for the former Hereford and Worcester County Council as assistant director of social services for Herefordshire.

Cllr George Lord, leader of Worcestershire County Council, said: "Trish has a proven track record of delivery and demonstrated throughout the interview process that she has the necessary drive, vision and energy to help us to take us forward. We have continued to demonstrate that we are amongst the best-run local authorities in the country and this proposed appointment would have a massively important role in our quest to continue to improve the county for our residents.

"We had applications from some very high calibre candidates, but I am confident that Trish's extensive experience and her skills and commitment will provide us with the leadership and direction that we require."

Ms Haines said: "Subject to my appointment being agreed, I will be delighted to have the opportunity to work with Worcestershire County Council.

"The county council has an excellent reputation and I am excited by the opportunity of being able to build on that.

"I am particularly proud to be selected as Worcestershire County Council's first female Chief Executive and I hope to be able to use my experience from previous roles to work closely with the elected Members and the staff at the county council to really make a positive difference to residents."

Rob Sykes announced earlier this year that he would be stepping down from his position as Chief Executive in December and a recruitment exercise has been under way since then to find the best candidate. The council meeting next week will also consider the appointments panel's recommendation to appoint Ian Stewart as interim chief executive for two days a week until Trish Haines is available to take up her new post.