North East Lincolnshire Council announces recommended interim chief executive
North East Lincolnshire Council has announced councillors' recommended candidate to be its interim chief executive from June.
The council's long-term chief executive Rob Walsh is stepping down at the end of May. He has been in the role for 11 years and worked in local government for over three decades. The chief executive post is the most senior council worker in the local authority.
The local authority's appointments committee, made up of a cross-party group of councillors, has recommended that Sharon Wroot is appointed as interim chief executive, with effect from June 1. Her appointment must be approved by full council.
Ms Wroot, a qualified accountant, enjoyed a successful career in the private sector before joining North East Lincolnshire Council in 2010. She has since fulfilled a number of senior roles including chief finance officer, executive director of place and resources, and deputy chief executive.
She said: "I take great pride in the work of everyone within this authority who, along with partners and stakeholders across business and the community, have a true focus on the transformation of our place while at the same time improving opportunities for all our residents. There is much work to do, and it is only by continuing this path that we will achieve lasting positive change.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our present chief executive for his vision and his leadership. Rob has set a path that I, along with my colleagues, will continue to follow and grow."
Council leader Cllr Philip Jackson (Conservative - Waltham Ward) said he was delighted Ms Wroot had been recommended for the interim chief executive post. "Over the years, she has proved herself as being a committed member of our senior team – helping to guide the authority with both vision and commitment to ensure we can grow in a measured and sustainable way. Her interim leadership will allow us to take stock, to continue our work and importantly give us time to look at the very best future for North East Lincolnshire in the long term."
Ms Wroot is among the council staff who will be participating in The Great Grimsby Sleepout later this week. This annual event aims to fundraise for homeless charity Harbour Place. Ann-Marie Matson, director of children’s services, and Katie Brown, director of adult’s services, are the other senior council staff who have signed up, as well as other council staff. This year, the sleepout is expected to have more than 80 participants.
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for housing, infrastructure, and transport said: "It’s great to see that senior leaders from the council are taking part in the sleep out, raising money and awareness for such a great cause."
To donate to the council team for the Harbour Place Sleep Out, visit here. If you are facing the threat of homelessness or know someone who is sleeping rough in North East Lincolnshire, contact the council's Home Options team on 01472 326296 or visit the council's website, here.