Allerdale BC chief executive, Gillian Bishop, has announced she will be moving on at the end of August to take up a new position. The MJ columnist will be taking up a new position as chief executive of the newly-formed North West Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnership (RIEP). Ms Bishop was appointed chief executive in 2005, having previously held positions at Rossendale BC and the North West Assembly. ‘The RIEP has been formed in response to the National Improvement and Efficiency Strategy (NIES), which aims to support councils, working with local partners, to deliver improved outcomes for local people,' said Ms Bishop. ‘As a result, in my new role I will still be working with and for Cumbria as part of the wider regional assembly.' Former Medway Council chief executive, Judith Armitt, has become managing director of Ashford Future, a company set up to support Ashford's future partnership board. The former chief executive of the Thames Gateway quit her post in December 2007, amid claims of differences between her and housing minister, Yvette Cooper. Ms Armitt had been chief executive of the Thames Gateway since 2006. ‘I am delighted to have been appointed managing director of Ashford's Future,' said Ms Armitt. ‘The commitment of partners there is strongly evident. This is a very exciting time to be working with Ashford, with new, high-speed rail services to London starting next year.' Cllr Paul Clokie, chairman of Ashford's Future partnership board, said: ‘Ms Armitt has a clear understanding and there is no question that we will benefit from her leadership and expertise.' Ms Armitt takes up her new post later this month.
