Letter: GBC Improvement Work Was Hampered By Its Culture

Published on: 23 Jan, 2025
Updated on: 24 Jan, 2025

From Tom Horwood

Former Joint CEO for Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils

See: HRA Report Shows Overspend and Possible Fraud Occurred Despite Many Warnings

During my time at Guildford Borough Council (Dec 2021-Feb 2024), I and my team identified many governance and financial problems that originated before I arrived. This included the main housing maintenance contract that was in place by October 2021.

It took time to find these problems, and we reported them to councillors, the public and the police.

With councillor support, we commissioned a financial recovery plan, an independent governance review by Solace and an investigation into alleged wrongdoing.

I made many improvements to governance and encouraged more internal openness. This work was hampered by an organisational culture of reluctance to raise concerns and the pressures of working across two busy councils, as noted in the latest report.

Peeling the Guildford onion was very difficult and stressful. I was determined and worked very hard to identify the council’s problems, and I took action as and when I became aware of them. When I left, several councillors acknowledged the positive impact I had made.

I wish the councillor and staff team well in continuing their improvement journey.

Responses to Letter: GBC Improvement Work Was Hampered By Its Culture

Jim Allen Reply

January 23, 2025 at 5:22 pm

The operational culture within Guildford Council requires a comprehensive review. The Local Plan’s 8,000+ public comments were disregarded. Weyside faces a £50 million debt.

An oak tree near Burpham, identified as hazardous in March, was not dealt with, resulting in its collapse into the river in September.

Does the Housing Department operates with a similar disregard for community concerns? The installation of a litter bin at Riverside took 15 years.

Improvements will only occur when the council prioritizes community needs over its own perceived requirements. A return to in-office work and a responsive approach to service requests are necessary.
Jenny Else Reply

January 27, 2025 at 11:55 am

Former joint CEO Tom Horwood’s letter of explanation only serves to confirm the Waverley Conservative’s strongly held view, prior to the collaboration, that due diligence had not been applied as to whether or not GBC was a suitable partner with which to enter into partnership.

Mr Horwood’s own position in fact simply proves my point, made at time, that officers would be stretched to breaking point, hence the numerous resignations of staff at all levels.

It is unbelievable that anyone involved in this bad decision isn’t hanging their head in shame.

Waverley deserves so much better.

Jenny Else is a former Conservative Waverley borough councillor for Elstead