Director of finance and assets

Gemma Bell

Gemma Bell is the council's director of finance and assets and also fulfils the role of deputy section 151 officer.

Gemma started her career at PwC, qualifying as a chartered accountant in 2013. She specialised in delivering external audit, internal audit and financial advice to local government clients in London and after eight years moved to Hertfordshire County Council to sit on the other side of the table. Over three years, Gemma moved through several cycles of experience within the Hertfordshire finance team varying from adult social care business partnering to managing the capital and commercial team.

Gemma joined Cheltenham Borough Council in 2021 as the head of finance and her portfolio has since been expanded to also include strategic asset management and the maintenance and compliance of the council’s property. Having moved to Cheltenham shortly after taking the role, Gemma is passionate about making sure the council is supported in using the assets and resources available to maximise the benefit for the residents and communities in the town.  

Gemma's responsibilities

Gemma is responsible for the following services.

  • Strategic and operational finance
  • Strategic asset management
  • Building repairs and maintenance, compliance and health and safety
  • Oversight of the counter-fraud function

Contact details

Gemma can be contacted by emailing gemma.bell@cheltenham.gov.uk. You can also find Gemma on LinkedIn.