The new boss at Surrey County Council said it is “challenging times” for local government as he started his first day at his six-figure job.

Terrence Herbert had been CEO of Wiltshire Council and according to the last set of published accounts. He received a total of £216,527 in 2020/21, of which £178,948 was his base salary.

Topped up with £37,579 in pension contributions. His new packet has yet to be published but his predecessor was on £234,600 a year.

Mr Herbert said: “Important work lies ahead as the organisation continues its transformation amidst challenging times for local government.

“But I know that together with the leader, members, staff and our partners we are well equipped to deal with those challenges.

“I have always understood the importance of cultivating a motivated, ambitious, high-performing workforce and that will be no different here.

“I look forward to working with the talented staff at the council to deliver quality services and outcomes for the residents and businesses of Surrey.” 

Mr Herbert has also held senior leadership roles including head of service for safeguarding, associate director for children’s services, and executive director for children & families. He began his career in nursing before qualifying as a social worker. 

He made headlines during his time in Wiltshire after the Bristol Employment Tribunal ruled correspondence he sent to staff broke industrial relations law. With the council spending £21,395 defending the case, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.