Cheltenham Borough Councillor Paul McCloskey has been appointed to the board of Publica - the company that delivers shared services to local authorities across Gloucestershire.

Cllr McCloskey replaces his council colleague Wendy Flynn as a non-executive member of the board after the founding member of the board decided to stand down.

With a background in mathematics and engineering, Cllr McCloskey has rich experience in organisational change and development.

He also has IT security experience and can count work for Royal Mail, BT and in the charitable sector on his CV.

As a councillor, he has been vice chair of the borough council's lincensing committee and sat on numerous committees and panels, including planning and treasury management.

He will start in his new role on April 15 and said: "I am very much looking forward to joining the board.

"In these difficult economic times, the success of Publica is pivotal to the success of all four of our partner councils.

"This strategic role well suits my previous experience and is a contrast to my role as an elected member."

Publica is a council-owned employment company who deliver share services to Cotswold and Forest of Dean District Councils and Cheltenham Borough Council.

They also provide services to the Cheltenham Trust, Cheltenham Borough Homes and environmental services local authority company UBICO.

Publica Chairman David Brooks said: "I am delighted to welcome Paul to the board.

"His close connection with residents and long career in industry will offer a fresh view for the board as we move on to the delivery stage of our transformation plan.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Wendy Flynn whom Paul has replaced.

"Wendy was a key part of the Publica set up and her contribution as a founding board member was really important in our successful launch."