Bath and North East Somerset Council has named Sophie Broadfield as its new Chief Executive Officer, with a starting salary of £175,000 per year. Broadfield, who has served as the council’s Director of Sustainable Communities since 2021 and held senior civil service roles prior, will succeed Will Godfrey, the outgoing CEO who is stepping down after six years in the role.
The full council unanimously approved Broadfield’s appointment during the meeting on November 20. Council leader Kevin Guy praised her strategic leadership, saying, “Sophie’s experience in enhancing the area as a great place to live, work, and visit, alongside her expertise in large-scale transformation and cultural change, aligns perfectly with our ambitious vision for Bath and North East Somerset.” He added that she would lead efforts to build a fair, green, creative, and connected region dedicated to improving residents' lives.
Broadfield expressed enthusiasm for her new role: “I’m delighted to be appointed chief executive of Bath & North East Somerset Council. It’s a wonderful place, and I feel incredibly privileged to call it home. I look forward to collaborating with our exceptional colleagues, councillors, and partners to make a meaningful difference across our communities.”
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During her tenure as director, Broadfield notably led the overhaul of the council’s local plan, secured investment in transport and travel initiatives, and played a pivotal role in obtaining £20 million in Pride in Place funding for Twerton. She was selected from a pool of 30 candidates and will officially assume her CEO duties on January 1.
Outgoing CEO Will Godfrey, who previously earned a full-time salary of £174,199 (as of April 2025), had transitioned to a three-day workweek since September under a “flexible retirement” agreement to facilitate a smooth handover. At the council meeting, Godfrey reflected on his six years in office with gratitude: “It’s been an absolute honor and privilege to serve as your chief executive. I came in October 2019 full of enthusiasm for great achievements, which we have realized, though the Covid pandemic shortly thereafter presented significant challenges.”
Marking the conclusion of 40 years in local government, Godfrey added, “Local government is an incredible place to work. Improving people’s lives has always been central to my mission—it’s the heart of what government is about, and what I have strived to do every day.” He urged residents to continue supporting their councillors, emphasizing the hard work invested in delivering community outcomes, and said he would remain active in local affairs as a resident holding council representatives accountable.
Kevin Guy acknowledged Godfrey’s leadership through difficult times, particularly through the Covid pandemic and the council’s recovery efforts, stating, “Will guided many successful initiatives including the new Keynsham Recycling Centre, retrofitting the Civic Centre, revamping adult social services by bringing them back in-house, and restructuring council services through the Being Our Best (BOB) process.” He extended thanks on behalf of the council and wished Godfrey well for the future, with Godfrey receiving a standing ovation from councillors in recognition of his service.