To receive any announcements through the Chairman.
Minutes:
Through the Chairman there were the following announcements:
a) New Members
It was noted that since the last meeting of the Council there had been election of two new elected Members.
Cllr Robert MacNaughton was elected to Calne Chilvester and Abberd Division on 22 February 2024 following the death of Cllr Tony Trotman.
Cllr Nick Dye was elected to Cricklade and Latton Division on 14 March 2024 following the death of Cllr Bob Jones MBE.
On behalf of the Council the Chairman congratulated Cllrs MacNaughton and Dye on being elected.
b) Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire
The Chairman noted the death of the former Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mr John Bush CVO OBE KStJ, which was announced on 11 May 2024. Mr Bush was Lord-Lieutenant from Nov 2004 to Feb 2012.
The funeral would take place at Edington Priory Church on 30 May 2024, from 2.00pm. The present Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Sarah Troughton would be attending the service.
c) Chief Executive
It was announced on 4 April 2024 that the Chief Executive, Terence Herbert, had accepted the post of Chief Executive with Surrey County Council.
The Chairman noted that Mr Herbert joined Wiltshire Council in 2011, and held positions including Head of Service for Safeguarding, Director for Children’s Services, and Chief Executive Officer for People Services, before being appointed as the sole Chief Executive. During his tenure Children’s Services went from being rated ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Outstanding’ in 2023.
On behalf of the Council the Chairman wished Mr Herbert well with his new position and thanked him for all his hard work with Wiltshire Council over the past 13 years. It was stated it was expected he would take up his new position in the summer, and that he would still be in post at the time of the July meeting of Full Council.
d) Chairman’s Engagements
Details were provided of recent engagements attended by the outgoing Chairman and Vice-Chairman.
Events Attended by the Chairman, Cllr James Sheppard, from Tuesday 20 February 2024:
• Friday 5 April 2024 - Declaration and Appointment of new High Sheriff, Dr. Olivia Chapple, St John the Baptist Church, Bishopstone.
• Monday 8 April 2024 - HM Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire’s British Empire Medal Presentation Ceremony, County Hall, Trowbridge.
• Saturday 13 April 2024 - The Mayor of Melksham’s Civic Reception, Assembly Hall, Melksham.
• Saturday 20 April 2024 - Attended Edington Parish Council’s Celebration for Mr. Malcolm Wieck’s 50 years’ service as Clerk to the Parish Council.
• Thursday 16 May 2024 - Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council’s Mayor Making Ceremony
• Monday 20 May 2024 - Calne Town Council Mayor Making Ceremony
Events Attended by the Vice-Chairman, Cllr Andrew Davis, from Tuesday 20 February 2024:
• Monday 11 March 2024 - The Commonwealth Day Flag Raising Ceremony, County Hall.
• Saturday 16 March 2024 - The Mayor of Calne’s Civic Service and river blessing, Castlefields Park and banks of River Marden, Calne.
• Thursday 21 March 2024 - Wiltshire Council Business and Sports Gala Dinner, County Hall.
• Friday 22 March 2024 - Mayor of Melksham’s Reception and Civic Awards, Assembly Hall, Melksham.
e) Member Training
Details were provided of training for elected Members provided by South West Councils which would take place from September through November, including on time management, communication, resilience and wellbeing, and evidence gathering skills.
Full details would be circulated to Members on the availability of places.
f) Agenda Order
After Minute 32, and with consent of the Council, the Chairman announced the agenda item order would be amended to consider the Notice of Motion 2024-03 regarding Solar Farms ahead of the item on the Community Governance Review.