EdenServ (East Devon Environmental Services Ltd)

Independent Chair (Non-Executive Director)

EdenServ (East Devon Environmental Services Ltd)

Remuneration: £500 per day (approx. £20,000 per annum based on ~40 days)

Time Commitment: Up to 40 days per annum

Location: East Devon (in-person attendance required)

Start Date: Summer 2026 (mobilisation ahead of July service launch)

About the Organisation

EdenServ is a newly established, wholly East Devon Council-owned Local Authority Trading Company (LATCo), created to deliver recycling, waste and environmental services across the district.

The organisation will commence service delivery in July 2026, following transition from an external provider. This is a rare opportunity to shape a new public service organisation from inception, setting its governance, culture, and strategic direction at a critical stage.

EdenServ combines public sector accountability with commercial discipline, delivering essential frontline services that impact every household and business in East Devon.

The Opportunity

An opportunity has arisen for an Independent Chair to provide strategic leadership to the Board and oversee the establishment and mobilisation of EdenServ.

This role will be central to shaping governance, culture, and organisational effectiveness at formation stage, ensuring the company is positioned for long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

Board Leadership & Governance

Provide independent leadership of the Board

Set Board agenda, culture, and effectiveness

Ensure high standards of governance and decision-making

Lead Board development during mobilisation phase

Strategic Oversight

Oversee strategy, risk, and performance

Ensure alignment between commercial delivery and public service objectives

Maintain focus on long-term organisational sustainability

Executive Oversight

Work closely with and support the Managing Director

Provide constructive challenge while maintaining clear governance boundaries

Act as key interface with the Council Shareholder Committee

Culture & Values

·   Establish strong organisational culture from inception

·   Champion public service values and accountability

·   Ensure alignment with Council priorities and community outcomes

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will bring:

Experience

·   Senior Board-level or Chair/Non-Executive leadership experience

·   Experience in complex public sector, LATCo, or regulated environments

·   Track record of leading organisations through change or start-up phases

·   Experience working with local authority stakeholders

Knowledge Areas (desirable)

·   Local authority trading companies or public sector governance models

·   Waste, environmental services, or infrastructure-led organisations

·   Commercial and operational leadership in complex environments

Personal Attributes

·   Strong independent judgement and integrity

·   Ability to balance commercial, public value, and governance priorities

·   Confident and constructive leadership style

·   Strong stakeholder engagement skills

Key Dates

·   Interviews: June 2026 (in person)

·   Appointment: Summer 2026 (pre-mobilisation phase)

Further Information

Full role details can be viewed here

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their CV and covering letter outlining relevant experience and motivation to: steve@advance-services-group.com – ASG will coordinate applications on behalf of candidates.