John Macilwraith, Executive Director for People, is to leave Cumbria County Council to take up the post of Executive Director for People at Sheffield City Council.
John will start his new post in September.
Council Leader Cllr Stewart Young, commenting on John’s decision, said “Even though I am saddened to hear of John’s departure from the Council, I recognise the opportunity that this presents for him to share his extensive experience and dedication to improving services with others. I would personally like to wish him every success in his new role, which I am sure he will take on with the same enthusiasm and passion he has here in Cumbria. He has been focussed and resolute in his ambition to improve services to the most vulnerable and he will be sorely missed.”
Chief Executive Katherine Fairclough added: “Whilst we are very sad to lose John, we understand his need to seek out a new challenge and also to be closer to his family. He will be missed and he has been a great leader and colleague. I am extremely grateful for all his hard work and his unswerving dedication to the people of Cumbria.
“During his time here he has worked hard to establish a strong team around him and I know that by working together we will continue the excellent progress that has been made in ensuring the quality of the services that this directorate delivers.”
John Macilwraith added: “It has been an enormous privilege to work with Cumbria County Council. During my time here I have worked with many outstandingly talented members and officers. It will be a wrench to leave but I am confident that we have the right people in place to ensure our good work continues for the people of Cumbria.
Plans are now being put into place to recruit a successor.
Cumbria County Council’s People directorate includes children’s services, adult social care, public health and the council’s in-house care provider Cumbria Care. John has worked for the council for 11 years, taking on the role of Executive Director for People in 2018. Prior to that he was the Director of Children’s Services from 2014.
