Councillors to debate Peterborough and Cambridgeshire shared chief executive role

Since November 2015, Gillian Beasley has held the shared role across Peterborough City Council and Cambridgeshire County Council, which was originally agreed for an initial period of 12 months.

Plans to make the arrangement permanent will now be discussed by the council’s employment committee on Friday 24 June and at full council on Monday 27 June.

This is the first shared chief executive role between unitary and county authorities nationally. The move would continue to deliver annual savings of £110,000 for the city council.

Councillor John Holdich, leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “It’s clear that there have been some important benefits, such as the joint management arrangement for Trading Standards across the two authorities, and the potential to create a fully joined up team. Senior shared roles are also being explored in economy, transport and environment.

“Whatever the decision, we recognise Gillian’s ongoing commitment and professionalism in her role. The shared arrangement is only possible because we have such an experienced and capable chief executive.”

The proposals reveal that there are no plans to increase the salary for the shared chief executive, and that Cambridgeshire County Council intends to introduce a deputy chief executive role should the arrangement be made permanent.

There are no plans to re-introduce the deputy chief executive role at the city council.

The full report can be read on the council’s website: