Sheila Oxtoby is to become the new full-time chief executive of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, having filled the post part-time since November 2015 under an interim shared management arrangement with North Norfolk District Council.

Following a meeting of North Norfolk's cabinet on September 5, the indications remain that their full council will decide on September 21 not to continue with the interim shared management arrangements with Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

Due to the timescales involved in recruiting a chief executive and the fact the interim arrangements can be ended by either party with one month's notice, Great Yarmouth's full council met last Thursday to decide next steps and voted unanimously to offer the position on a full-time, permanent basis to Mrs Oxtoby, who this week accepted the offer.

A start date is yet to be announced.

Councillors also agreed to offer full-time permanent positions at Great Yarmouth to two other shared staff – Karen Sly, the section 151 officer, and Julie Cooke, the head of human resources – who have accepted the respective offers.

In a joint statement, Cllr Graham Plant, Cllr Kay Grey and Cllr Trevor Wainwright said: 'Councillors are clear that Great Yarmouth needs officers to fill these important strategic roles on a full-time basis, in order to lead in the delivery of the council's priorities at a challenging time for the public sector.

'During their 10 months at Great Yarmouth, these three officers have done exceptional jobs, working well with existing staff to support the ambitions of the council and the borough. Sheila, as chief executive, has proved both a genuine ambassador for Great Yarmouth and an experienced strategic thinker.

'Recognising this sterling service, full council agreed to offer the full-time positions to the incumbent officers, before committing to the extra time and costs associated with seeking staff externally. We look forward to continuing to work closely with these officers in future.'

Mrs Oxtoby said: 'I am honoured to be offered this position at Great Yarmouth. During the last 10 months, I have been impressed by the ambition and dedication of Great Yarmouth's councillors and officers to deliver for communities. There are many exciting opportunities ahead for the borough and I look forward to working on a full-time basis with councillors and officers to make the most of these for residents and businesses.'

Cllr Plant is the council leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council. Cllr Grey the UKIP group leader and Cllr Wainwright the Labour group leader.