Archived press release

Date Published: 03/10/06

Andrew Grant has taken up his new role as the chief executive of Aylesbury Vale District Council. Mr Grant, formerly the deputy chief executive of Cotswold District Council, joins AVDC at an exciting time in its 32-year history and says he is loo...

Andrew Grant has taken up his new role as the chief executive of Aylesbury Vale District Council.

Mr Grant, formerly the deputy chief executive of Cotswold District Council, joins AVDC at an exciting time in its 32-year history and says he is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

“It’s very good to have finally started here in Aylesbury Vale, and I’m very much looking forward to getting to know the people, the staff and the area,” said Andrew. “I want people to get to know me too, and what I have to offer the district and its partners. I am ready for the challenge and will be contributing actively to making Aylesbury Vale live up to its potential,” he added.

One of Andrew’s most important tasks in the next few weeks will be meeting councillors and community leaders to hear about what they want for Aylesbury Vale. He will also be visiting staff at the various council offices and setting out how he hopes to work with them to deliver the council’s vision at a price local people can afford.

Andrew’s priorities include working with officers, councillors and partner organisations on issues relating to local government, the growth agenda and the council’s housing role following the successful transfer of homes to the Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust.

His arrival has been welcomed by Councillor John Cartwright, Leader of AVDC, who says his enthusiasm and experience will be a great asset to the council. “I am delighted to welcome Andrew to AVDC and look forward to working with him to deliver high quality, value-for-money services for residents, and to reach our goal of Aylesbury Vale being a great place to live, work and visit,” he said. “The next few years will present many challenges for Aylesbury Vale and the council and I am confident that Andrew will help us to meet those challenges,” he added.

Andrew joins AVDC with a strong track record in partnership working and leading strategic direction and change.

Since 1997, Andrew has held three posts at Cotswold District Council, serving the past two years as deputy chief executive. Andrew’s external focus has been on partnership development with the private sector whilst being extensively involved in partnerships such as the Gloucestershire Supporting People Board and the Gloucestershire Local Strategic Partnership.

Internally, Andrew had responsibility for the council’s five operational departments and successfully led more than 500 staff through a challenging programme of business change management.

Before being promoted to deputy chief executive, Andrew held the positions of corporate director and director of community services.

During his time as corporate director between 2003 to 2005, he developed the Cotswold Community Engagement Strategy, and helped plan its Community Strategy.

His role as director of community services from 1997 to 2003, saw him lead and manage a diverse and complex range of services from housing to leisure and the arts as well as delivering a number of projects including a new £9 million leisure centre and a £5.5 million Heritage Lottery aided refurbishment of the Corinium Museum, both in Cirencester.

While in this post, Andrew also built on his early local government career in various housing-related posts – most notably as director of housing for Sedgemoor District Council (1995 to 1997) to create a new Cotswold Housing Partnership with selected housing associations to deliver 950 new affordable homes over seven years.

Married with two small children, Andrew leads a busy life outside work and enjoys many outdoor pursuits including walking, cycling and running. He’s also a season ticket holder at Gloucester Rugby Club and describes himself as a recent convert to skiing. Inside the home, Andrew is a keen cook.