Appointments to Senior Management Team

(Date of issue: Wednesday 3 February 2010)

Carlisle City Council confirmed the appointment of the remaining two senior posts at a full council meeting last night (Tuesday 2 February), completing Carlisle City Council’s new Senior Management Team.

The new appointees are:

• Chris Hardman - Assistant Director (Economic Development)
• Keith Gerrard - Assistant Director (Community Engagement)

Mr Hardman (44) is currently Carlisle City Council’s Local Plans and Conservation Manager, and has worked in that role for the City Council since June 2000.

Mr Gerrard (48) is currently a consultant specialising in neighbourhood delivery services as well as stakeholder engagement for renewal and regeneration programmes..

Following an internal recruitment process involving City Council Directors and Heads of Service, three posts were filled in October 2009, these were Jason Gooding, Strategic Director and Deputy Chief Executive; Peter Mason, Assistant Director (Resources) and Mark Lambert, Assistant Director (Governance).

The remaining four posts within the new Senior Management Team were advertised in November 2009, generating 136 applications. Darren Crossley, Strategic Director and Angela Culleton, Assistant Director (Local Environment) were appointed in December.

The full team will be in post by 1 April 2010.

Cllr John Mallinson, Chairman of the City Council’s Employment Panel, said:

“We have a new team of talented and skilled managers who will support and guide us through the challenges we are facing over the coming years. They are committed individuals who have a passion and drive to develop our services and fulfil our priorities so that Carlisle City Council can respond to the needs of our communities.”

Cllr Mike Mitchelson, Leader of Carlisle City Council, said:

“We have a crucial role in leading the district’s economic recovery, by ensuring that we have the expertise and capabilities at the top level, we can realise our aspirations and deliver on our ambitions for Carlisle and prepare the city for future growth.”

Mr Hardman said:

“I am delighted at being appointed to this new post. There are lots of challenges ahead for the council and I look forward to working with everyone to play an active part in not only the future for the City Council but also the city.”

Mr Gerrard said:

“I am pleased and excited about taking up the position as Assistant Director with Carlisle City Council and to be part of a council which has an opportunity to achieve the highest quality services possible for local people.”