What's Happening?
Grant Thornton has announced the appointment of Ed Hammond and Camilla de Bernhardt Lane as directors in its public sector assurance team. Both individuals bring extensive experience from the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny, where Hammond served as deputy
chief executive and de Bernhardt Lane was a director of practice. Their expertise in local authority scrutiny, policy, leadership, and governance is expected to enhance Grant Thornton's capabilities in supporting local governments. This move comes as local authorities in England face significant challenges due to rising costs and the Local Government Reorganisation programme, which demands structural changes while maintaining service delivery.
Why It's Important?
The appointments of Hammond and de Bernhardt Lane are crucial as they come at a time when local governments are under pressure to adapt to financial and operational challenges. Their roles will be pivotal in helping local authorities navigate these complexities, ensuring effective governance and value for money. Grant Thornton's strategic expansion, supported by private equity firm Cinven, underscores its commitment to strengthening leadership and expanding its market presence. This development is significant for stakeholders in the public sector, as it promises enhanced advisory services and support in managing reform and devolution agendas.
What's Next?
As Grant Thornton continues its expansion, the firm plans to welcome 160 new partners over the next two years, further solidifying its market position. The expertise of Hammond and de Bernhardt Lane will likely be instrumental in shaping the firm's approach to public sector challenges, particularly in governance and policy reform. Local governments may anticipate increased collaboration with Grant Thornton as they seek to implement effective strategies for managing change and delivering services efficiently.
