Head of Service of the year

Carol Baxter

Barnet LBC

Carol demonstrates everything that is excellent as a Principal Social Worker. She is highly professional, skilled and empathetic, to both people who use services and the social work teams. She doesn't falter from doing the right thing, and gifts her teams with years of experience, outstanding legal literacy and a strategic sensibility that supports Barnet to get the best from adult social work practice. She does all of this with humility and a willingness to consider others’ perspectives and continue to learn from her experiences. Upholding her social work values, she treats everyone with courtesy and respect, regardless of their background and status.

Andrew Kennedy

East Ayrshire Council

Andrew Kennedy is a highly experienced professional who has served as the Head of Facilities and Property Management at East Ayrshire Council since 2010. His strategic leadership has been crucial to the organisation's success. Andrew is committed to building strong relationships, driving innovation forward, and consistently delivering high-quality services. This commitment has led to widespread national recognition for excellence and a proven track record of success. He has inspired others by effectively managing challenges and implementing significant changes in the food services and construction industry, ensuring the highest standards and creating exceptional opportunities for the community.

David Herrington

Gravesham BC

In 2021 David took the role of Head of Digital & IT Services with the aim of transforming the services delivered by each team. Drawing on his experience in both fields, David has exceeded expectations in the way in which he provides leadership and management to both services, and also how they then engage with others to improve efficiency and service delivery internally and for customers interacting with the council.David is a true innovator, supported by a skilled team of officers he has invested in and, consequently, who have embraced his enthusiasm and commitment to delivering excellent services.

Susan Sale

Guildford BC

During the past year Susan has faced significant challenges which many wouldn't have to tackle during their whole career. From whistleblowing, restructures, a major collaboration between two councils and re-writing governance processes it has all been tackled this year. Despite this Susan has still managed to gain the trust and support of colleagues throughout the organisation who praise her approachability and clear advice and guidance. Susan has led from the front embracing challenges and encouraging her team to grow and develop during particularly challenging times. She is always open to new ideas and strives to enable her teams to deliver.

Kevin Keady

Hackney LBC

Kevin Keady transitioned from private banking to the public sector, becoming the Head of Parking and Markets in 2018. He tackled longstanding issues in parking services and market deficits, focusing on culture change, customer service and process simplification. He redefined drivers receiving penalties as "customers," improved team morale with recognition and direct communication, and reduced bureaucratic inefficiencies. Under his leadership, the markets achieved a surplus for the first time and won national awards, while parking services rose to the top rankings in London and received national recognition. Staff turnover decreased, engagement increased, and union disputes ended, making Hackney’s services industry-leading.

Tina Brinkworth

Plymouth City Council

Tina is the Head of Service for Skills and Post 16 within Plymouth City Council. She is an inspiring leader to work for. She brings clarity to our strategic goals and a clear commitment to developing and delivering the best practice that has seen our team flourish over the past 3 years. Starting in January 2021, during the Covid outbreak, she had to adjust quickly to the new normal with no experience in the post. She has revolutionised the culture and installed an outcomes-based approach . Her tenure has been transformative.

Emma Pattison

Redbridge LBC

Emma Pattison launched and rapidly grew the Reach Out service following increases in domestic abuse in 2020. She holds internal and external stakeholders to account and relentlessly advocates for survivors. Emma supports her team’s wellbeing with access to counselling and support when needed; especially important as they deal with traumatic cases.The perpetrator programme is highly effective at reducing police callouts and the need for social care involvement, and Reach Out has a user satisfaction score of 95%.In launching and developing the service, her tenacity in supporting vulnerable people, and care for her team make Emma an outstanding leader.

Martin Plant

Rochdale MBC

Martin Plant is an inspirational leader who as Head of Service for Organisational Development at Rochdale Borough Council has played a leading role in transforming the culture to that of a learning organisation with an engaged workforce. He has designed and developed a suite of award winning Learning and Development programmes with limited resources and demonstrates resilience, creativity and authenticity in everything he does. He is passionate about the power of coaching and mentoring and has had a highly positive impact on teams and individuals through his approach. Martin has overcome significant health barriers and worked during challenging times for the Council and his commitment to his role has never faltered.

Vicki Bates

Stockport MBC

Vicki Bates embodies transformational leadership, nurturing resilience with kindness and compassion among her team and the wider Council. She exemplifies our values of thinking Stockport, achieving as a team, working with ambition, and showing respect to everyone, fostering a culture that inspires collaboration and excellence. Feedback from our All-Colleague Survey consistently highlights high team satisfaction and enhanced productivity under her guidance. Vicki’s steadfast commitment to aligning strategies with Council priorities not only improves operational efficiency but also fosters a supportive environment where every member thrives. Vicki’s outstanding contributions deserve special recognition for their transformative impact and exemplary leadership.

Tom Harding

Westminster City Council

Tom Harding, Head of Responsible Economy at Westminster City Council, exemplifies innovative leadership and unwavering commitment to inclusive economic growth. Over seven years, he has forged stronger business-community collaboration, ensuring no vulnerable resident is left behind. His initiatives, like Westminster Wheels or the Community Investment Portfolio, have empowered youths, reduced in-work poverty, and delivered substantial social value. Tom's strategic foresight and proactive problem-solving have driven significant economic progress, with £1.3 million reinvested into local employment services, supporting over 2,000 residents into stable jobs. His hands-on approach, fostering a culture of empowerment and transparency, sets a benchmark for excellence in local government service delivery. Tom Harding's visionary leadership deserves the highest recognition.

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