Surrey CC has recruited a top Downing Street adviser to become its new strategic director of policy and performance. The authority announced last week that Dr ~Patricia Greer~ currently deputy director of the Number 10 strategy unit, is a member of the new four-strong team of strategic directors which has been tasked with implementing government efficiency guru Sir Peter Gershon's shake-up of the council.

A review of the authority, carried out by Sir Peter with accountant Robson Rhodes, has recommended streamlining the existing six directorates into four strategic units. Dr Greer has worked in Downing Street for the last four years, before which she led a programme on government reform at Bath University. ~Andrew Webster~ who was most recently acting chief executive at Lambeth LBC, has been appointed strategic director, family services, while ~Andrew Roberts~ currently a director at the Government Office for the South East, will oversee the new services for communities directorate.