Chief Executive of West Lindsey District Council has announced he will retire at the end of June 2025, marking the conclusion of a distinguished career in local government spanning more than 30 years.
Ian Knowles was appointed Chief Executive in 2019, following a successful tenure as Executive Director of Resources. Under his leadership, West Lindsey District Council has achieved considerable progress in transforming services, regenerating communities and addressing some of the district’s most pressing challenges.
Among his recent key achievements is the council’s progress on the former RAF Scampton site. Despite significant obstacles, Ian and the leadership team are advancing plans to purchase the site from the Home Office, enabling the delivery of an ambitious £300 million investment programme. This development will revitalise RAF Scampton as a hub of heritage, innovation, and economic opportunity for West Lindsey.
Ian has also overseen the construction of a brand-new central depot, a new crematorium, and a new leisure centre in the district—all delivered on time and in budget. In addition, significant levelling-up initiatives have been undertaken, including the construction of a four-screen Savoy cinema in Gainsborough, alongside additional projects aimed at boosting the local economy, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
In addition to these landmark developments, Ian spearheaded the implementation of critical internal improvements at the council. This included introducing a brand-new finance system to streamline operations and enhance efficiency and a new customer records management system to improve service delivery and strengthen engagement with residents.
Reflecting on his time at West Lindsey, Ian said:
“It has been an honour to lead this outstanding council and work with dedicated colleagues and partners to achieve meaningful change. West Lindsey is a place where people, businesses, and communities can really thrive and reach their full potential.
“We have worked to deliver on our shared vision of ‘Moving Forward Together’ to improve services and prosperity for Our People, Our Place, and Our Council. I am proud of what we have accomplished and confident in the district’s bright future and the amazing team we have here at West Lindsey.”
Ian’s leadership saw the successful implementation of the council’s Corporate Plan, which focuses on three key areas: Our People, Our Place, and Our Council. By aligning budgets to strategic priorities, the council has delivered innovative solutions to meet the district’s needs, maintained high performance, and sustained financial stability with unqualified audit reports and high assurance ratings.
Ian is deeply passionate about supporting and developing staff at all levels of the organisation. He is involved with New Local as part of the Coaching and Mentoring work on the Next Generation Academy, supporting aspiring local government officers up and down the country. He nurtures talent and equips staff with the skills to build successful careers in local government. Ian fosters a culture of open communication through his open-door policy. He frequently invites guest speakers to inspire and motivate staff, offering them valuable insights and guidance to further their professional growth.
The council addresses challenges proactively, which was evident during the pandemic. Ian helped redeploy staff to support urgent needs and implemented a comprehensive business support package. The council hosted a Cost-of-Living Summit and has led district-wide initiatives to address economic pressures on residents and businesses.
Ian has also championed sustainable growth and place Leadership, with a portfolio of 40 active projects. These include enhancing Gainsborough’s riverside walk, developing affordable housing, Achieving Housing Growth Point status, leading to the delivery of sustainable urban extensions, supporting local businesses, and implementing policies to achieve net zero carbon emissions in partnership with the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan.
Ian also led the Lincolnshire 2050 vision, which included all Lincolnshire Councils and supported Greater Lincolnshire’s Devolution plans. This year, a new Mayor will be elected for the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County authority.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Trevor Young, commended Ian’s contributions to the council, adding his leadership leaves West Lindsey District Council well-positioned for the future. He said:
“Ian’s vision, leadership, and commitment to collaboration have been instrumental in West Lindsey’s success. From the regeneration plans for RAF Scampton to modernising internal systems and delivering significant public service improvements, Ian has helped position our district as a leader in innovation and sustainable growth.
“His collaborative approach, underpinned by a strong leadership team, has enabled the council to deliver exceptional outcomes for residents, businesses, and communities. We thank him for his service and wish him every happiness in retirement.”
Ian will leave the council in June 2025.
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