Southwark Council appoints new director to help improve engagement and collaboration with borough's residents, businesses, communities and stakeholders

30 May 2024

Southwark Council is pleased to announce it has appointed Eddie Townsend as its first Director of Communications, Engagement and Change. The appointment is part of plans to strengthen how the council supports, engages, communicates and consults the borough's diverse set of communities, from individuals and grass roots organisations to its vibrant voluntary sector and strategic partners.

Eddie joins Southwark from Waltham Forest Council where he’s worked for seven years as Director of Communications following other senior roles in policing and central government. Passionate about community engagement, co-design and resident-focused public services, Eddie arrives at a time of important change for Southwark.

Speaking on his appointment, he said: "I am thrilled to be joining Southwark Council at such an exciting time. After meeting staff, partners and members of the community I could see the passion they have to improve the lives of residents. It will be a privilege to work alongside them to make Southwark an even better place to live, work and visit."

Althea Loderick, Chief Executive of Southwark Council, said: “I am delighted Eddie will be bringing his immense experience and passion to Southwark. He was appointed following a robust selection process, which also included representation from the community, who were able to test and validate all the candidate's credentials. Eddie will take a leading role in improving how we engage, consult, communicate and work in partnership with residents, communities, major partners and the voluntary sector, and how we transform as an organisation to get the best possible deal for council tax-payers in terms of our approach to future service design and delivery - all to help us realise our ambitious vision for Southwark as we head towards 2030."

Eddie's appointment, which is due to begin August, follows an independent review of the council as part of the Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge programme. As well as leading on communications, engagement and change, this critical role will also incorporate development of corporate strategy and insight, and be key in enhancing strategic relationships with the Southwark Anchors Network: a group of major public and private organisations in the borough working collectively to build wealth and opportunities in Southwark.

Page last updated: 31 May 2024