Cannock Chase Council's Chief Executive
Stephen Brown
A dynamic individual with a reputation for success behind him, Stephen Brown joined the District from Ashfield District Council where in his post of Strategic Director of Community Services he gained a wealth of experience in the policies and procedures of local government.
We have asked him a few questions to help identify what he brings to the area.
What is your vision for the Authority?
To make the Authority a Council of which the public, the Members, and the staff can feel justifiably proud. The Council needs to be seen to perform well in all that it does, to earn the right to display community leadership and work with partners to continue to lead the regeneration of the area.
What is your background?
I am originally from Newcastle-upon-Tyne and trained in Environmental Health with Newcastle Metropolitan Borough Council. After working for Chester-le-Street District Council, I worked for the City of London Corporation and subsequently for two District Councils in Buckinghamshire before taking up the post with Ashfield District Council in June 1998. I am married with four children; two girls and two boys.
How will you bring your experience to this job?
I come to Cannock Chase with a track record of success in improving Council performance and have helped pioneer new solutions to local problems through working with partners and the community on innovative Neighbourhood Renewal Strategies. I have delivered services "on the ground" myself in the past, and I will work to ensure that all staff can work to their maximum potential, by helping them to get the right "tools for the job" in terms of the necessary training and the right environment.
What are you hoping to achieve in your time at Cannock Chase Council?
My aspirations are to continue the good work already achieved in the District through improving community safety, bringing new jobs to the area and improving the quality of life for all of the residents. The test for me will be whether or not the area will be a better place to live and work when I leave than it was when I arrived.
What are the challenges that face the Council?
Some big challenges lie ahead for the Council with a tenants' ballot for the possible transfer of the housing stock due early next year and of course with comprehensive performance assessment on the horizon. However, this Council has already had a lot of success in the past and I am confident that the Council is in good shape to move forward and be seen to be a striving and high performing authority.
Do you believe it is important to gain the public's view?
Yes, as an Authority we must actively seek the views and opinions of the public and I believe it is important to be accessible. We will continue to do so through a variety of means including the Citizens Panel and public meetings.
We have asked him a few questions to help identify what he brings to the area.
What is your vision for the Authority?
To make the Authority a Council of which the public, the Members, and the staff can feel justifiably proud. The Council needs to be seen to perform well in all that it does, to earn the right to display community leadership and work with partners to continue to lead the regeneration of the area.
What is your background?
I am originally from Newcastle-upon-Tyne and trained in Environmental Health with Newcastle Metropolitan Borough Council. After working for Chester-le-Street District Council, I worked for the City of London Corporation and subsequently for two District Councils in Buckinghamshire before taking up the post with Ashfield District Council in June 1998. I am married with four children; two girls and two boys.
How will you bring your experience to this job?
I come to Cannock Chase with a track record of success in improving Council performance and have helped pioneer new solutions to local problems through working with partners and the community on innovative Neighbourhood Renewal Strategies. I have delivered services "on the ground" myself in the past, and I will work to ensure that all staff can work to their maximum potential, by helping them to get the right "tools for the job" in terms of the necessary training and the right environment.
What are you hoping to achieve in your time at Cannock Chase Council?
My aspirations are to continue the good work already achieved in the District through improving community safety, bringing new jobs to the area and improving the quality of life for all of the residents. The test for me will be whether or not the area will be a better place to live and work when I leave than it was when I arrived.
What are the challenges that face the Council?
Some big challenges lie ahead for the Council with a tenants' ballot for the possible transfer of the housing stock due early next year and of course with comprehensive performance assessment on the horizon. However, this Council has already had a lot of success in the past and I am confident that the Council is in good shape to move forward and be seen to be a striving and high performing authority.
Do you believe it is important to gain the public's view?
Yes, as an Authority we must actively seek the views and opinions of the public and I believe it is important to be accessible. We will continue to do so through a variety of means including the Citizens Panel and public meetings.
