Jonathan Stephenson

Chief Executive, Rochford District Council and Brentwood Borough Council

Jonathan has worked within local government for over 25 years, predominantly undertaking senior leadership roles, across a range of different organisations, Ipswich Borough Council, The London Borough of Enfield, Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Councils, Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council. 

Jonathan is currently Joint Chief Executive at Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council. Working more widely in Essex he is also the lead CEO for Housing and Infrastructure for the Association of South Essex Councils and a Commissioner for the Essex Climate Action Committee.  

Jonathan also represents Solace (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers) at board level as a Non-Executive Director, and is on the DCN (District Council Network) national Chief Executive Group as a South East Region representative. 

My Speaker Sessions

Thursday 21 March 2024

11:10

How can service providers help local authorities facing severe financial challenges?

11:10 - 11:45

Council budgets are being squeezed, with ever-increasing costs, rising demand and inadequate government funding.

Many frontline services such as waste collection, highways, housing repairs and FM are outsourced, so can suppliers do anything over and above providing services to help local authorities save money?

Does the answer lie in greater investment in innovation to improve productivity?

Is there a different model beyond traditional outsourcing or self-delivery?

Can long-term partnership working make the difference?