Iain Newman

Interim Head of Finance and Procurement (Section 151 Officer)

Senior Leadership Team

Preferred pronouns
He/Him/His

Professional passions and goals

Iain is passionate about ensuring the financial sustainability of public services. He is proud of his 36 years of service to his local borough and views his interim role with WMFS as an opportunity to contribute to his community through a vital organisation.

Skill set and experience

Iain’s key strengths are integrity, resilience, and strategic insight. He brings extensive experience in navigating changing political environments and is not afraid to address challenging issues head-on.

Professional qualifications or memberships

BA (Hons) (First Class) in English Language and Literature – University of Birmingham (1988)
Chartered Public Finance Accountant – Qualified in 1992

Interests and hobbies

Iain is a member of the City of Birmingham Choir, where he sings as a Bass 1. He enjoys walking and is married with three grown-up children.

Work history

Iain dedicated over 36 years to Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, beginning as a Graduate Trainee Accountant in 1988. He served as Section 151 Officer, the statutory chief financial officer, from 2010. At the time of his retirement in 2024, he was Director of Finance and Legal Services, overseeing Financial Services, Revenues and Benefits, Law and Governance, Audit, and Information Governance.