Joint Strategic Director for Finance at Guildford and Waverley Councils To Step Down

Published on: 19 Sep, 2025
Updated on: 19 Sep, 2025

Richard Bates

The Joint Strategic Director for Finance at Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils, Richard Bates, is to step down, due to family health reasons.

He will continue in post until December 31 to ensure a smooth transition.

Bates joined Guildford Borough Council as interim Executive Head of Finance and S151 Officer in July 2023, initially on a six-month contract to lead the council’s Financial Recovery Plan.

His leadership was instrumental in helping the council avoid the threat of declaring the council effectively bankrupt with a Section 114 notice and successfully closing a £3.3 million budget shortfall for 2023–2024.

Since then, a GBC statement says, he has continued to guide Guildford’s finances toward long-term sustainability.

The statement continued: “Appointed as joint strategic director of Finance in July 2024, Richard has driven improvements across both councils, introducing leaner and more efficient financial processes. His focus has consistently been on financial sustainability and delivering value for money for residents. Working closely with the councils’ finance teams, he led efforts to revise and align financial policies and procedures.

“With both councils now on a more secure financial footing, Richard feels he has accomplished the majority of his objectives. This is reflected in several notable achievements, including Guildford Borough Council submitting its 2023/24 and 2024/25 accounts on time, and Waverley Borough Council’s Finance Team being shortlisted for Finance Team of the Year at the Public Finance Awards 2025.”

Speaking about his decision, Bates said: “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved at Guildford and Waverley. Both finance teams have been open to change and have been strengthened as a result. Although I’m stepping away from the strategic management of each council’s finances for personal reasons, I hope I can continue to contribute to preparations to the move to a Unitary Authority.”

Bates previously led the financial aspects of three transitions to unitary councils.

Cllr Julia McShane

Julia McShane, leader of GBC, said: “Richard’s leadership, insight, and financial expertise have played a vital role in strengthening Guildford’s financial position. He leaves a finance team that is not only stronger and more resilient, but also well-equipped to carry forward the strategic direction he has shaped.

“I’m truly sorry to be losing such an excellent financial expert. Although Richard is stepping down as Joint Strategic Director for Finance and Resources, I remain extremely grateful for everything he has contributed over the past two and a half years. We wish him every success and happiness in the future.”

Cllr Paul Follows

Waverley council leader Paul Follows added: “I’m deeply sorry to see Richard step down, and he will be greatly missed by all of us. His exceptional leadership and financial expertise have played a pivotal role in making Waverley one of the most financially sound councils in the region.

“This achievement is a testament not only to his dedication, but also to the outstanding team he has built and led. Richard leaves behind a remarkable legacy, and we are incredibly grateful for his service.”