Our Corporate Management Team

Mark Smith, Chief Executive

The Chief Executive is the Town Council’s most senior officer and advisor to Council, and as Head of Paid Service responsible for the overall management of the council’s staff, advising the council on strategy and policy, and working with partner organisations at a local, regional, national and international level.
Mark holds an MBA, a Law Degree, a Diploma in English Law, a postgraduate Diploma in Management, he is also a Chartered Manager and a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and a qualified coach.
Mark is also a Non-Executive Director at the Wiltshire and Swindon Sports Partnership and Chair of the Board of Directors, he is also a trustee at the Wiltshire-based charity FearFree and a trustee of the Society of Local Council Clerks, Education Trust.

msmith@chippenham.gov.uk

Matthew Kirby, Deputy Chief Executive

The Deputy Chief Executive is responsible for deputising in all matters ordinarily dealt with by the Chief Executive and for overseeing a wide range of community focused services, including the Neeld, Stanley Park Sports Ground, Chippenham Museum, environmental services, community development, communications, customer services and planning.
Matt holds an MSc(Dist), a BSc (Hons), is a Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner, and a Fellow of the Society of Local Council Clerks.

This role is also the lead officer for the Planning, Environment & Transport Committee and the Amenities, Culture & Leisure Committee.

mkirby@chippenham.gov.uk

Gillian Ballinger, Director of Finance & Responsible Financial Officer

The Head of Finance is the council’s Responsible Finance Officer (RFO), as designated under Section 151 of the Local Government Act, and has responsibility for the management and proper administration of all the Council’s financial affairs.

This role is also the lead officer for the Strategy & Resources Committee and the Finance Sub-Committee.

gballinger@chippenham.gov.uk

Heather Rae, Director of Democratic Services & Governance

The Head of Democratic Services & Governance is responsible for the Council’s decision making and ceremonial processes and ensuring the Council operates transparently in line with legislation and best practice.

This role is also the lead officer for Full Council, the Civic Matters, and Community Donations Sub-Committees and the Youth Council.

hrae@chippenham.gov.uk

Helen Bywater, Director of Corporate Services & Improvement

The Head of Corporate Services & Improvement is responsible for the Council’s personnel, administrative and logistical activities, and overseeing the Council’s programme of climate and biodiversity work.

This role is also the lead officer for the Human Resources Committee.

hbywater@chippenham.gov.uk