VWV secures major boost to local government team with Heath hire

Veale Wasbrough Vizards has strengthened its local government practice with the hire of Mark Heath, former Chief Operating Officer at Southampton City Council, as a consultant.

Heath also spent more than 15 years as the council’s Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer.

At VWV he will work closely with partners Allison Cook and David Hansom in developing the firm’s local government and public sector practice. He will in particular help the firm’s Local Government Training Partnership.

Heath will continue as the Returning Officer for elections at Southampton City Council, a post he has held since 1994. A leading figure in the electoral field, he serves on several groups convened by the government and the Electoral Commission on electoral law, policy and practice.

Simon Heald, VWV Managing Partner, said: “Mark understands the needs of local authorities and will bring his 30 years of experience to ensure that the work we undertake is focused on realistic solutions that help and support our clients and contacts. Local government and public sector are key areas of the firm and I am delighted that Mark is joining us to help support and grow the work."

Heath said: "VWV has a strong reputation in the sector. I am looking forward to working with Allison and David, supporting clients that have been in a similar position to myself."