Harborough council's new chief executive gets ready for the challenges ahead

Norman Proudfoot is vowing to do his very best for the whole of Harborough after being appointed the district council’s chief executive.

The experienced senior officer, who has worked at the local authority for 24 years, will take over the new role from Monday November 2.

A new post of deputy chief executive will also be created to support the current team of four chief officers and chief executive.

Norman is currently joint chief executive alongside Beverley Jolly, who is retiring in November 2020 after serving the council since 1990.

“I am looking forward to helping secure the very best outcomes for communities across the Harborough district,” said Norman.

“Both in the short-term as we address the immediate challenges of the Covid-19 situation - and in the longer term as we look to create a stronger organisation to withstand potential future challenges.”

Cllr Phil King, who leads Harborough council, said: “Following Beverley Jolly’s announcement to retire, we are reinstating a single chief executive model into the Constitution.

“We are delighted to appoint Norman Proudfoot to this role, who we are confident will continue to serve the council with the utmost integrity and dedication.

“We look forward to building on the successes that we’ve had and delivering on the council’s ambitious agenda.”

Phil added: “I would also like to take this opportunity, on behalf of everyone at Harborough District Council and all our residents, to say a huge thank you to Beverley Jolly for her tremendous dedication to public service over her 30 years at the council.

“We all wish her a very happy retirement.”