Lee Burge CV
Tel:- Email:-Location: London. Clearance CTC Cleared. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mrleeburge2021
Profile
A transformation and change specialist with extensive experience using PRINCE2/Agile methodologies
and PMO practices. Proven ability to manage complex multi-disciplinary programmes and teams
across councils through effective governance controls, focusing on key deliverables such as design,
cost, benefit realization, service provision, and stakeholder management. A digital-first approach to
emerging technology to improve services and drive efficiencies. A self-starter with a track record of
excellent service redesign and change delivery with outstanding knowledge of the functions and roles
of central / local government. Recently delivered new TOM global bio-security border controls for food
imports at Defra in a very diverse and politically sensitive environment.
Experience Summaries
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Extensive policy delivery and service transformation (leading in a PMO environment).
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Managed national/local programmes with strong governance and stakeholder management.
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Adaptable and reactive to changing environments with first-class report writing expertise.
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Specialised in effective stakeholder engagement and political aspects of policy design and delivery
Professional Experience
Port Health Local Authority (PHA) Transformation Engagement Lead, Borders Bio Security Trade
Programme, Defra - November 2022 – Present
• Collaborated with 22 local authorities and government departments to deliver new border controls
for global food imports. Central to influencing programme and E2E design on a new Borders TOM
• Provided subject matter expertise and advice to Ministers and councils, ensuring stakeholder
requirements and legislation were reflected across projects. A gateway for the whole Defra
programme (200 FTE) and managed effective relationships and communication with stakeholders –
e.g. No10, Cabinet Office, MHCLG, Local Authorities
• Planned and tracked overall readiness of the programme, achieving TOM go live. Managed
transitional funding (100’s millions), large-scale service transformation, staffing changes, and
infrastructure decisions with a digital focus on AI development
• Influencing to drive change for delivery in a hub and spoke format working with multiple leads to
delivery technically difficult TOM outcomes.
• Championed changed by designing an innovative new shared service model so that PHA functions
remained financially viable
Programme Manager, Transformation & Change, Bristol City Council - May 2022 – October 2022
• Achieved an additional £1.9m in year savings on top of re-occurring savings. Managed a suite of
projects to review and cost-save on existing council expenditure (corporate, children’s, schools, PFI)
• Demonstrated excellent programme management methodologies such as RAID log, project and
comms plans to deliver successful outcomes and critically, on time to meet budget deadlines.
Project Manager, Transformation & Change Norwich City Council - February 2022 – May 2022
• Led urgent project governance requirements and reporting for a "go live" transformation project
involving over 200 staff returning back into council services.
• Delivered a highly pressurised onboarding exercise for staff transferring back into the council.
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Lee Burge CV
Programme Manager, Transformation & Change Haringey Council - April 2021 – February 2022
• Delivered complex Cabinet Reports and Business Cases (based on HMG 5 case model) for the
Carbon Management, Decentralised Energy Network (DEN) team.
• The decision approved Government funding (£60m) for the next phase of the programme and
created a council owned energy company. A technically dense programme delivering a 5% carbon
reduction for the council through changing the planning system and investing in infrastructure.
• Managed a high-level Board and key delivery partners to plan Key Decisions and Delegated
Decisions for a £100m programme to progress delivery in the short- to medium-term. Aligning to
Council wider strategic plans.
Project Manager, Transformation & Change, Bexley Council - November 2018 – March 2021
• Managed service redesign across council services, including ASC and Housing ensuring good
governance and stakeholder engagement.
• Led digital transformation projects, including an innovative Assistive Technology service model.
Successful award of £800k for an NHS Digital Pathfinder project which resulted in a decline in GP
visits by 60% and 35% A&E visits over 9 months.
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Spoke and hub approach. Based in Corporate Services I worked across services, Project managing
service re-design across the council. Ensuring good governance, writing Cabinet papers, complex
consultations with stakeholders (LD residents), managed a myriad of stakeholders internally /
externally. Completer finisher approach. Presented research and analysis in understandable
formats to influence new policy direction. Delivered BexleyCo’s first successful planning application.
2002 to 2016 inclusive:
Policy Adviser, Planning and Strategic Communications, MHCLG - August 2013 – March 2016
• Managed & wrote a Cabinet Paper and consultation for National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
• Led a team to provide strategic communications and briefing on planning reform policy.
Private Secretary, Minister for Local Government - July 2008 – August 2013
• Managed the ministerial office and held the portfolio for all local government reform measures
including delivering local government finance and settlements (at least 5 for all local authorities)
and Acts of Parliament (e.g. Localism Act).
• Led a team in a fast-paced, politically reactive environment. On boarded 5 new ministers
Policy Adviser, Local Government Policy Reform, MHCLG - January 2007 – July 2008
• Managed a consultation for local government re-organisational (unitary structures) agenda and
drafted regulations and guidance to support decision making
December 2004 – December 2006 HM Treasury, Lyons Inquiry into Local Government
• I managed the in-depth consultation process to build evidence to reform local government finance
Diary Manager to John Prescott, Deputy Prime Minister, HM Treasury – Dec 2002 – Dec 2004
• Managed the DPM’s diary and undertook the Princes Trust Volunteer Scheme
Professional Development/Qualifications
2023: Project Delivery Framework (GOST TOOL)
2019: PRINCE2 / Agile Project Management
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