Ian Hudspeth

Associate

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Ian was Leader of Oxfordshire County Council from May 2012 to May 2021, during that time he showed strong leadership throughout a period of reducing finances. To ensure a balanced budget there were savings of over £350 million pa which included transformational changes to ensure service delivery continued. He successfully joined the senior management teams of OCC and Cherwell District council to not only deliver savings but to deliver a better service for residents.

During his Leadership Oxfordshire attracted government funding of over £700 million to deliver much needed infrastructure. Ian was a founder member of the Tri-Counties partnership which is now England’s Economic Heartland. Ian has also worked extensively on the Oxford- Cambridge Arc.

Ian led the council during the investigation of historic Child Sexual Exploitation which resulted in the 9 perpetrators receiving sentences totalling 95 years in prison.

Ian was Chairman of Local Government Association’s Wellbeing Community Board May 2018- May 2021which focuses on all Health issues, particularly Social Care.
Working across Local Government and Central Government with the Minister of Health and Social Care to establish a sustainable funding solution for Health Care. Throughout the pandemic working with Government and Public Health England to establish protocols to help deliver services.

A member of the LGA peer challenge group that offers councils a unique opportunity to engage with peers who have current or previous experience in the sector and provide challenge, support and guidance on specific areas or issues.

Ian is a strong, visible leader who has held several high-profile positions including political cabinet and board director. Excellent communication skills, significant media involvement and wide experience of cross sector working – including public/public as a Director of Oxfordshire local Enterprise Partnership. public/private and commercial business relationships. Successful business owner; highly developed political awareness and effective partnership builder.

Ian was awarded an OBE for services to Local Government in June 2021.