Industry expert joins leading local government team23rd October 2003. Sheffield... Civica, one of the UK's most experienced providers of software and services for the public sector, has appointed Paul Tonks as Public Services Director. Based in Civica's Sheffield office, Tonks will be responsible for driving the company's business solutions portfolio to the public sector. He brings an in-depth understanding of local government operations and a history of delivering successful public sector services. Tonks has been actively involved in local government for 16 years. Before joining Civica, he had a breadth of experience across the Finance, Housing, Leisure, Education, Community and Environmental service areas working in local government in District, Unitary and Metropolitan Councils at Head of Department and Strategic Director level. Having also recently worked in the commercial sector with a service management company his experience adds both strength and depth to Civica's already successful team. Commenting, Tonks said, "For authorities challenged to implement legislation, deliver improved services and achieve greater efficiency under the spotlight of performance assessment, it helps to have an experienced partner. Civica combines experience, unrivalled stability and ongoing innovation and has a track record in responding to new legislation, particularly in the area of Revenues and Benefits. I am looking forward to working alongside Civica's existing and new customers to help identify, deliver and support efficient business processes based on effective systems and integrated e-services". Tonks is 37 and lives in St Albans in Hertfordshire.