Donna in line for top role (From Leigh Journal)

Wigan deputy set to step up

7:30am Saturday 11th February 2012 in News

WIGAN Council has taken a major step towards appointing a new Chief Executive.

The council’s Pay and Reward Committee has recommended unanimously that Donna Hall, Deputy Chief Executive, should take over when the current Chief Executive, Joyce Redfearn officially steps down on March 31.

The recommendation comes after a rigorous process with a series of interviews conducted by senior politicians, other members and independent representatives from partner organisations. The selection process was advised by a senior Chief Executive from a major North West local authority. The recommendation will be taken to full Council on 14 March for final approval.

Lord Peter Smith, Leader of Wigan Council said: “Donna would be an excellent choice for the role of Chief Executive. Since her appointment as Deputy Chief Executive last August we have already benefitted enormously from her knowledge, experience and enthusiasm. More than ever we need to drive the Council, the borough and our residents forward as we face budget reductions across every aspect of our services. As an existing member of the senior management team with a proven track record I have no doubt that, if appointed, Donna would be ideally placed to do this from the first day in the role.”

Ms Hall has previously held the post of Joint Chief Executive of Chorley and Wyre Councils. During her six years at Chorley Donna Hall she helped transform the authority’s national rating from “Fair” to “Excellent”.

Before that she was Executive Director (Deputy Chief Executive) for five years at Blackburn-with-Darwen Borough Council and was awarded a CBE in 2010 for services to local government.

Lord Smith of Leigh added: “We have always offered value for money as a council but these changes to the senior management structure will realise an additional saving of £200,000 every year. Donna has already proven herself to be the best person for the job and an internal appointment saves further recruitment costs”

Donna Hall said: “It would be a great honour to be offered the role of Chief Executive at Wigan. The priorities going forward are clear and if appointed, I would welcome and look forward to continuing the fantastic work of this council as a high performing local authority”

The appointment of a new Chief Executive follows the decision by Joyce Redfearn to take early retirement as part of the council’s four year plan to meet savings targets of £66 million.