Birmingham: Professor Graeme Betts, acting chief executive at Birmingham City Council, has announced he will be leaving the city council.
Prior to stepping up to the acting chief executive role, Professor Betts was director of adult social care at the council, having joined in 2017.
In the Queen’s Honours lists in 2021, Graeme was awarded a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for services to Adult Social Care and earlier this year was appointed Honorary Professor of Social Care at the University of Birmingham.
Graeme said: “While it has been a difficult decision, I feel it is the right time to step aside for others to carry the baton forward. I’ve enjoyed my time at this unique and diverse authority, and I’ve enjoyed the challenge.
“When I arrived, I faced many challenges, not least lengthy delays in discharging citizens from hospital, which was leading to poor outcomes for them. With the support of my staff and partners in the NHS, we turned this round achieving some of the best performance in the country and some of the best outcomes.
“I have learned a lot in my time here from citizens too. One of the things that has really struck me is the strength and depth of the community in Birmingham – and their response to COVID was humbling and moving. I will never forget the work of the Neighbourhood Network Services and how they stepped up to support the most vulnerable, at such a difficult time for the nation.
“Work still continues at pace as we reshape the council. I will miss the challenge and I know I’m very fortunate that I do a job that I really enjoy doing.”
Cllr John Cotton, leader of the council, said: “I want to thank Graeme for his outstanding service to the people of Birmingham – firstly as a transforming director of adult social care and more recently as our acting chief executive.
“He has enjoyed an outstanding career in public service and I know that his tireless work to improve outcomes for some of our most vulnerable citizens has made a real difference to many Birmingham families. Graeme will be missed, not just by his colleagues at the council, but by the many partners and other stakeholders he has worked with across the city.”
Lead commissioner Max Caller said: “Graeme has had many years of distinguished service in local government. In his third incarnation as interim Chief Executive, he has fully embraced the task of working with my fellow commissioners and myself, at a time of real challenge and change for the council.
“What has struck me throughout is his personal brand of commitment and integrity which is an example to everybody. I thank Graeme for his vital contributions to the city and wish him well for the future.”
Graeme will be leaving in October, meaning there will be continuity when Joanne Roney arrives as Managing Director, in September. He will be taking up a new role at the University of Birmingham, mainly focusing on leadership, social care and integrated care.
