Published September 26, 2019 at 15:05
Following a rigorous selection process, a new Chief Executive of Rossendale Council has been appointed.
The appointment of Neil Shaw, currently Strategic Director at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, was approved by councillors at last night’s Full Council.
Neil has held senior roles in local government across the country. He also spent several years as an Senior Advisor and Programme Manager at the Local Government Association.
His other roles include Head of Neighbourhoods and Communities at North West Leicestershire District Council, Performance Improvement Director at Bradford Council and Policy and Performance Manager at London Borough of Redbridge.
Council leader Councillor Alyson Barnes said:
I am absolutely delighted Neil has accepted the role and will be joining us in Rossendale. The process was extremely tough as we had a lot of high calibre candidates. The panel agreed Neil had the right range of skills, qualities and experience for the job and councillors unanimously approved the appointment.
Neil joins us at what is an exciting time for the borough especially with the progress we are making in our town centres.
Of course we still face tough times because of funding cuts, and the borough still has challenges we need to work with residents, businesses and our partners on to overcome, but I truly believe there is a bright future ahead because of the work we are doing.
Rossendale is a place on the up and there are lots of projects being delivered to improve our borough. Neil is exactly the right person to take us from strength-to-strength.
I also want to pay tribute to our out-going Chief Executive, Stuart Sugarman. I want to thank Stuart for the work he has done over the past 10 years and wish him well in the future and in his new role in the NHS.
We have worked well together delivering a number of high profile projects throughout Rossendale. Stuart has been instrumental in improving our great borough and leaves a very strong foundation for us to build on and continue to deliver for our residents.