The role of the Chief Executive is a permanent appointment which requires the approval of Full Council, following the recommendation of a candidate for the role by the cross party Appointments Sub Committee.

Laura Church

The current Chief Executive, Laura Church, was appointed in October 2021.

Laura is the Council’s principal policy advisor to its directly elected Mayor and 46 councillors.

As the statutory Head of Paid Service she is accountable for a budget of £370 million and the work of approximately 2,500 employees who deliver a wide range of services to the community.

She is ‘on call’, particularly to cover civil contingency and emergency management requirements. 

Laura is also the appointed Returning Officer for national and local elections for which she receives the appropriate fees.

Pay policy

Details of the Chief Executive’s pay are set out in the Council’s Pay Policy (PDF)