Gillian Bishop appointed Interim Chief Executive at Link4Life

Gillian Bishop, left, meets members of the Link4Life team

Gillian Bishop has been appointed as Interim Chief Executive at Link4Life, the Rochdale Boroughwide Cultural Trust which manages culture and leisure services on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council. 

Ms Bishop has experience in leading and managing a range of organisations. Her most recent role was Corporate Director at Wigan Council. Prior to that she was Chief Executive at the North West Improvement and Efficiency Partnership from 2008 to 2010, Chief Executive at Allerdale Borough Council from 2005-2008 and Deputy Chief Executive at Rossendale Borough Council from 2003-2005. She lives locally with her family.

Ms Bishop said: “As a local person I am well aware of the tremendous progress that has been made in the Rochdale borough over the last six years in terms of service improvements and we have a very strong base on which to build.

"My priority will be to focus on the future direction of the Trust to ensure it is best placed to meet local needs and I am looking forward to working with board members and colleagues at Link4Life, together with Rochdale Council and wider partner organisations, to deliver on this.”

Speaking about the appointment, Board Chairman, Clint Street, said: “We are delighted to welcome Gillian to Link4Life. Her wealth of experience in both public service and the culture and leisure sectors will support the Board in establishing the vision and strategy for the Trust over the next three years.”

Welcoming Ms Bishop to the borough, Chief Executive at Rochdale Council, Jim Taylor said, “I have worked with Gillian in the past and I look forward to renewing this experience.

"This is a challenging time for the future of all public services and I am confident that Gillian will be a most valuable asset.”

Ms Bishop is expected to be in post for approximately six months until a permanent appointment of Chief Executive at Link4Life is made.