New chief executive of Rochdale Council will be appointed at same salary as departing chief executive

Councillor Richard Farnell

The post of  chief executive of Rochdale Council will be advertised at the existing salary of between £126,250 and £131,300 and an appointment will be made by autumn.

Council leader Councillor Richard Farnell said: “I am confident we can attract an exceptional field of candidates and appoint an outstanding new chief executive on the existing salary.

“With all that is going on in Rochdale, we need an brilliant chief who can work with the new council leadership to dramatically improve the borough’s fortunes. Yes, like many councils, we have lots of challenges but Rochdale has great opportunities too. We have good schools which are improving all the time; our sixth form college is among the very best in the country and we have the fastest-growing and most successful Business Park in the north. On top of that, we are surrounded by the most beautiful countryside. Rochdale is a great place to work and live.

“It’s a big job. We need a dynamic individual who can bring investment and new and better paid jobs to the town. The only way we can improve the prosperity for residents is having exceptional schools providing a first class education, and equipping our people with the skills needed in today’s ever-changing jobs market. That is the best way to attract new and successful firms to invest in Rochdale. The new chief executive will be instrumental in working with me to achieve these important goals.

“I also want to make Rochdale Borough Council the most customer-friendly council in the country. That means huge changes in the way the council works to put our residents first and at the centre of everything we do. The new chief executive will be responsible for bringing about a huge cultural change in how staff work and how services are delivered. It’s a big challenge.

“Top salaries are coming down all over local government following huge budget cuts. The salary here is competitive and I am sure we will attract some really exceptional candidates. As Leader, I have to be mindful that the pay is seen as realistic and reasonable by the people picking up the bill – the taxpayers of Rochdale.

“Since Jim Taylor announced his departure there has already been a lot of interest from some really good people.”