Four new starters join council’s leadership team

Westfields entrance

Cheshire East Council has announced the appointment of four new senior officers.

Jayne Traverse will join the council as executive director – place, moving from Tameside Council. The place directorate includes highways, waste and recycling, economic development, housing and planning.

Deborah Woodcock, currently of Stockport Council, is joining as executive director – children's services. Deborah will be responsible for delivery of the council's education, children's social care and safeguarding, early help and prevention services.

Helen Charlesworth-May, from Cornwall Council, will join as executive director – adults, health and integration. This directorate delivers adult social care and safeguarding, public health and communities' services.
Additionally, Sarah Bullock is to join as the council's new director of policy and change. This new role has been created as part of a corporate services restructure to bring a new focus on policy and driving council-wide change. Sarah is moving from a position at St Helens Council.

Cheshire East Council chief executive Dr Lorraine O'Donnell said: "I am delighted to announce recent appointments to Cheshire East Council's senior team. Between them, our new colleagues bring a wealth of additional experience and expertise to complement our existing strong team.

"It is a great time to join the organisation. We have a clear vision for an open, fair and green Cheshire East, as set out in our corporate plan, and a four-year balanced budget.

"Local public services have never been so important as they are now, as we emerge from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

"Cheshire East is in a strong position to overcome the challenges and maximise the many strengths and opportunities ahead. These roles will be crucial in driving and delivering our vision."

The role of executive director – place became vacant following the resignation of Frank Jordan, who left Cheshire East Council at the end of August to join Nottingham City Council.

The roles of executive director – children's services, and executive director – adults, health and integration were created following the resignation of the former executive director – people and the retirement of the former strategic director for adult social care.

Dr O'Donnell added: "The new starters are expected to take up their posts over the next few months. In the meantime, we will continue to work with the senior teams in affected directorates to ensure that appropriate interim arrangements are in place."

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Duncan Herald
Tuesday 14th September 2021 at 9:04 pm
Can info. on salaries be revealed?