Published on Thursday 13 February 2025
After 47 years working in or for local government and the public sector, 25 of which have been as Chief Executive, Graham Farrant has announced his intention to retire from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council at the end of August, shortly after he turns 65.
Graham has been Chief Executive since January 2019 as BCP Council was formed in the most complex piece of local government reorganisation in the country for 40 years, absorbing services from Bournemouth unitary authority, Poole unitary authority, Christchurch district council and Dorset County Council.
Since then, the Council has been on a transformation journey which has seen new systems and policies being introduced for every service, alongside significant financial challenges and increases in demand for services, not least during the Covid pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. The Council has had five different leaders over the last five years and has a very complex political make-up with eight political groups on the Council.
Graham said: “I am particularly proud of what we’ve achieved in the last six years despite the challenges of local government reorganisation, a difficult financial environment, political change and a global pandemic. The Council has just achieved a rating of ‘Good’ for its Children's services and is strong on financial management, with a balanced budget for next year and a balanced Medium Term Financial Plan. The council has a clear corporate strategy and performance measurement framework, alongside a positive and empowering culture, having produced three chief executives for neighbouring Councils.
“I have always enjoyed working alongside councillors to provide the best services that we can, but these last six years have been particularly rewarding as we have shaped the new council to deliver for our larger and more complex community across the whole Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area, in a really complex political environment.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated officers who have risen to every challenge we’ve faced. I have welcomed their commitment, passion and constructive feedback – they have been the reason that this has been my longest stint as a Chief Executive and a big part of why I love my job.
“Lastly, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who I have had the pleasure of working with, both within the Council and in our partners, and in the community. The Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area is a fantastic place to live and work and I look forward to watching the area continue to develop as a great place to be.”
Councillor Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, said “Graham has helped to guide the Council through the challenges of the last few years. From bringing four councils into one, to supporting our residents through the pandemic, navigating political change and financial pressures, he is a leader who encourages colleagues to meet those challenges with positivity and tenacity. He has worked with Councillors and officers to bring financial stability, a hugely improved Children’s Services and created a modern, data-led, efficient council.
“As a new Leader, I have valued his experience and calm advice, as have my colleagues across the political spectrum. More than anything, Graham’s enthusiasm for local government and the democratic process is infectious and I know he has inspired many to go above and beyond to serve our residents.”
The timing of Graham's announcement means that the Council can undertake a thoughtful and transparent recruitment process to appoint a new Chief Executive and manage a smooth transition to the new postholder in September.
Prior to joining BCP Council Graham was Chief Executive and HM Chief Land Registrar, running HM Land Registry, and before that he had spells as Chief Executive of Thurrock Council, the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham (twice), Brentwood Council, private equity-backed leisure operator Leisure Connection, and national business and sports consultancy pmpgenesis. He first qualified as an Environmental Health Officer working at Westminster City Council and has a degree in Environmental Health and a Master's Degree in Environmental Pollution Science, alongside a masters-level qualification in Executive Coaching.