It’s rare for politicians of all parties to be on the same side. But when it came to supporting the chief executive of Warwickshire County Council in a national award, this was one issue on which they all agreed.
Monica Fogarty joined the council twenty four years ago and worked across a number of areas before becoming CEO in 2019.
Over the course of her career at Warwickshire, Monica was noted for the way that she had driven change through the years, always keeping Warwickshire at the heart of latest developments and ensuring it was a council that was fit for purpose both for its time and for its rapidly-changing communities.
Politicians, staff, local partners in health, the Police, other local councils and agencies in Warwickshire as well as businesses in the region – all were unanimous in their admiration for the work that Monica was doing as she rose through the ranks.
But it was her leadership during the county’s response to the pandemic which turned this wide-ranging praise into something more tangible.
It led to her being nominated for, and winning, the prestigious title of CEO of the Year by the Municipal Journal – a publication which leads debate and coverage of local government across the UK.
Described as ‘proactive, brave and innovative’ Monica comes from a London Irish background but made Warwickshire her home twenty-five years ago.
She says working in local government has given an insight into so many aspects of life….and she would highly recommend it.
Anybody who has ever thought of working in local government – and indeed those who haven’t – will enjoy hearing Monica’s reflections on what a career in public service has meant to her. The sheer breadth of services provided and support given to Warwickshire communities – from public health to road gritting; from education to fire and rescue services the role of a chief executive in local government is broad, demanding and Monica clearly loves it.
Not only is Monica fiercely proud of the services that WCC provides, she also has the same sense of pride in the people that deliver them.
The absence of working physically alongside colleagues was keenly felt by many members of staff during the early days of the pandemic. Monica’s broadcasts to staff, and the compassion that shone through in them, showed clearly what her colleagues meant to her and the comments that came back from staff demonstrated that this loyalty and respect was reciprocated.
And that is the very essence of Monica; much as she commands respect and loyalty, staff feel that they can tell her that she is missed or that they hope her children do well in exams. She is a leader but she is one of the team at the same time.
Monica always talks about how hard it is to leave Warwickshire, drawing on her own experience and extended stay in both the county and the council as evidence. The range of careers, the sense of purpose and the common goal of making Warwickshire the best place it can be is keenly felt across all levels of the authority.
