Trailblazers: Jillian Kay

As part of our Trailblazers: Women Transforming the Public Sector and Beyond series, we’re continuing to spotlight leaders whose experiences are shaping the future of public services and the communities they serve.

In this feature, we hear from Jillian Kay, Chief Executive of Southampton City Council. With a career spanning both central and local government, Jillian shares reflections on her leadership journey, the importance of purpose and values, and how diverse perspectives strengthen public services. She also highlights what continues to motivate her work and the impact of collaborative leadership in today’s complex environment.

What’s your proudest career achievement so far?
Making the transition from central to local government.  I loved every one of my 25 years in the civil service, I had such a variety of roles from working closely with ministers and at the heart of government policy; in an arm’s length body supporting the judiciary in upholding the rule of law and delivering justice; to roles in crisis situations like Grenfell, flood recovery and covid.  Through the ‘crisis’ period, I worked alongside some outstanding local government officers making a difference in their communities in the most challenging situations and I was inspired to make a change in my own career.  I’ve had a fantastic journey in local government so far, from cross-party negotiations at London Councils, to promoting wellbeing through our services across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.  Now I’m thoroughly enjoying my role as Chief Executive of Southampton City Council, working to improve services to residents, drive inclusive growth in the city and wider region and shape the future through local government reorganisation and devolution. 

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women aspiring to leadership positions?
Leadership is an act not a position, so you can start any time.  Be clear on your purpose and your values.  And build your network – in my experience, colleagues are always happy to meet for a coffee and share their experiences, and you never know what doors may be opened for you.

How do you think having more women in senior leadership benefits public services and the communities they serve?
Public services exist to serve everyone, women are more than 50% of the population in our communities and so of course listening to women’s voices and their diverse lived experiences will make better policies and shape better public services.  More women in senior leadership positions can make public services more responsive, fairer and build trust.  Also, women leaders – on average - are more likely to use collaborative, inclusive and participative leadership styles which I think are essential to making a difference with communities in today’s complex world.

What motivates you most about working in public service?
The variety and the impact.  Also, the great colleagues who show up every day for the right reasons.

Who’s a woman that’s inspired you in your career – and why?
There are so many to choose from! Just recently, for International Women's Day, we celebrated the contributions of some brilliant women to Southampton - from business, universities, health and the creative sector This included two amazing sisters, Phoebe and Maisie White, who started their legendary sandwich shop Maurie's while they were both 8 months pregnant. They proudly champion women in hospitality through their business. We need more of their passion for quality, creativity and community in the public sector too.