Cookie preferences
Toggle menu

Help shape your future council websites

New websites are being developed for East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council ahead of their launch in April 2027. 

Take part in a short survey to help make sure those websites are easy to use. The survey takes just 5 to 10 minutes. 

Have your say before 5 October (opens new window)

New Joint Strategic Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer appointed

Richard Bates, Joint Strategic Director of Finance

Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils have approved Richard Bates as the Joint Strategic Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer.

Councillors approved the appointment at:

  • Guildford Borough Council Extraordinary Full Council meeting on 16 April 2024
  • Full Council meeting of Waverley Borough Council on 23 April 2024

The Joint Strategic Director of Finance and Section 151 (S151) Officer is a key role. It's part of the Corporate Management Board at Waverley and Guildford Borough Councils.

Mr Bates has been in the role of interim Executive Head of Finance and S151 Officer since 17 July 2023. More recently he took on the role of Interim Joint Strategic Director of Finance.

Mr Bates is a qualified accountant and experienced local authority Chief Financial Officer. He has previously held:

  • the S151 Officer role at Dorset County Council
  • interim S151 Officer at Mendip District Council