Chief Executive of Leicestershire County Council since 1994 - longest serving County Council Chief Executive. During that time, worked with 12 different political group leaders; politically hung, coalition and single party administrations.
Leicestershire County Council consistently recognised as one of the highest performing local authorities in the country. Judged by its peers as 'Council of the Year' in 2009 (Local Government Chronicle annual awards)
Has been Chairman of the Association of County Chief Executives and a member of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives National Council.
Involved in all the major Leicester City/Leicestershire County partnership initiatives in last 15 years, in particular community safety, transportation and a range of economic development-related programmes.
Leicestershire County Council was a pilot for Families with Complex Needs and is now working closely with the Government on ‘Troubled Families’. Leicestershire’s programme is known as Supporting Leicestershire Families.
Was a member of the Government’s Programme Board on NHS reforms throughout its life (2010-13) and is now a member of the national Health Transformation Task Group and a member of various other national groups on Health Transition. He is also the local government representative on NHS England consultation and advisory panels covering the Midlands and the East of England.
Has a particular interest in sports policy, the relationship between sport, other physical activity, health and well-being, and the 2012 Olympics legacy. Represented the City and County Councils in the East Midlands on the 2012 Regional Steering Group. The region has established a legacy programme for young people.
Awarded CBE for services to local government in 2009.