London borough appoints ex-Strategic Director of Law & Governance and Monitoring Officer as permanent chief executive

Fiona Taylor is set to be appointed to the role of permanent chief executive of Barking and Dagenham Council after spending a decade as the London borough's monitoring officer.

Taylor has been a practising solicitor since 1996 and joined Barking and Dagenham in 2008 where she became its Acting Deputy Chief Executive and Strategic Director of Law & Governance. She was appointed to the position of monitoring officer in 2012.

In April of last year, the council appointed her as acting chief executive following the departure of Claire Symonds from the position.

Detailing the procedure by which Taylor was chosen as permanent chief executive, the council said she underwent a "rigorous recruitment process," including an external technical assessment, stakeholder panels and a members appointments committee.

According to council documents, she was one of four candidates interviewed for the position. The decision to select Taylor was unanimous.

Her appointment is scheduled to be confirmed at the council's Annual Assembly meeting on 17 May.

Cllr Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: "I'm delighted to welcome Fiona as our permanent chief executive. Over the past 12 months she has proven herself again and again to be an exceptional chief officer who has the knowledge, skills, and ambition to take the council forwards."

Commenting on her appointment, Fiona Taylor said: "I'm honoured Barking and Dagenham have put their faith in me. The council is operating in challenging times with pressures on public spending and rising demand for our services. But we have a record of innovation and delivery. We are used to punching above our weight and never shy away from a challenge. I want to help the borough realise its ambitions over the coming years."

Adam Carey