Tameside Council recommends new chief executive

A new permanent chief executive has been recommended for appointment at Tameside Council.

Emma Alexander currently works as managing director at Derbyshire County Council, and was recommended for the role at Tameside this week.

She has previously worked at neighbouring Oldham MBC until 2016 as executive director of corporate and commercial services and Trafford MBC until 2009 as corporate director.

Her appointment will be subject to a meeting next week (15th July), with the council hopeful she will start her new role in November. 

Tameside Council has been searching for a new executive for over nine months, after previous CEO Sandra Stewart resigned from her position due to the string of pressures that came from overseeing the council's failing children's services in October.

Her position was then taken over by Harry Catherall, who vowed to retain the role until a permanent replacement was found. 

If appointed, Ms Alexander will take over in overseeing issues that have plagued the council since Ms Stewart resigned. 

Tameside Council is currently embroiled in controversy over its 'inadequate' children's services department, as well as poor results from an inspection of services for children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).

Tameside Council Leader Cllr Eleanor Wills said: “Emma was a unanimous decision by our appointments panel, and we’re excited at the prospect of her joining our team here in Tameside, bringing further expertise and stability and leading on delivering our priorities and ambitions, improving the lives of local residents and building a confident and resilient future together.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank Harry for his valued support and guidance since joining us as Interim Chief Executive last year. Since then, we have worked closely together and achieved great strides as an authority - both internally through our culture, processes and setting out our clear ambitions, and outwardly delivering improved services for our residents.”

Tameside Council Interim Chief Executive Harry Catherall said: “This is a really positive step for us as an organisation – we have not been willing to compromise for Tameside, ensuring we recommend the right person for the role, who will uphold the highest standards for our employees and residents alike. 

“I, of course, will continue in post as interim Chief Executive and I'm committed to a smooth and seamless transition.”