Shared appointment of chief finance officer to end next May

The Isle of Wight Council has confirmed that its formal agreement with Portsmouth City Council for the shared appointment of Chris Ward as Section 151 chief finance officer will come to an end next year.

The agreement, which has been in place for around a decade, was originally established to strengthen financial leadership during a period of significant challenge for the Isle of Wight Council.

With the increasing demands on both councils and the scale of work involved in Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), it has been agreed that the arrangement should conclude to allow the Isle of Wight Council to appoint a dedicated Section 151 officer.

A recruitment process will begin shortly to secure a permanent appointment for this critical statutory role.

Mr Ward will remain in post until May, ensuring continuity and stability as the council prepares its 2026/27 budget. This will allow the council to benefit from his experience during this important planning period.

Mr Ward joined the Isle of Wight Council in April 2016 at a time when the authority faced serious financial challenges.

He quickly developed a new Medium Term Financial Strategy that delivered an immediate £50 million injection into the council’s finances, a move that was warmly welcomed and adopted.

Over the past ten years, he has helped the council navigate a challenging financial climate, ensuring the soundness of its finances and improving overall resilience.

He has also played a key role in negotiations with central government, securing an additional £4 million per year for the Island.

Chief executive, Wendy Perera, said: “By the time that Chris leaves, he will have served the Isle of Wight Council for a decade.

"His professionalism and dedication have left a lasting impact on the council and the Island community. I’m sure everyone will join me in thanking Chris for his exceptional service and wishing him every success in the future.”

Council Leader, Councillor Phil Jordan, said: "I want to thank Chris for his commitment and financial expertise and guidance over the past ten years.

"He has financially managed in no small way to deliver financial outcomes and budget requirements that we all, as residents and businesses on the Island and under extreme funding cuts, have found protection from potential government intervention.

"I know from working closely with Portsmouth and their Leader that his role is extending to include LGR and Devolution for Portsmouth Council and I am aware that his wider commitments are becoming too much to manage for himself personally.

"I wish him well and very pleased we are working through our arrangements with him so that he will stay until May 2026 in order that we may have sufficient time to recruit a replacement for when he does eventually leave.”

Mr Ward added: “It has been an absolute privilege to work for the Isle of Wight Council over the past ten years but, with the advent of LGR and the enormity of the workload involved, going forward I no longer feel able to fulfil my statutory duties to the council effectively.

"After much thought over recent months, I have concluded that the Isle of Wight Council’s interests would be better served by a S.151 Officer who can devote the necessary time and attention to this important role.

"I have enjoyed the experience immensely and hope that I have made a lasting impact on the council’s financial sustainability and the delivery of sustainable public services to the Island’s residents.

"I look forward to continuing to work together as partners and through our networks in the years ahead.”