Chief executive of Durham County Council announces retirement

The chief executive of Durham County Council has announced his intention to retire after more than four decades in local government.
Terry Collins, Chief Executive of Durham County Council, who has announced his retirementTerry Collins, Chief Executive of Durham County Council, who has announced his retirement
Terry Collins, Chief Executive of Durham County Council, who has announced his retirement

Terry Collins joined the authority in February 2009 as corporate director for neighbourhoods, two months before the new unitary authority was established, and has been chief executive for the past five years.

The top officer has been responsible for developing the council’s culture-led regeneration programme and boosting the county’s reputation as a place to invest and visit, alongside steering the council through financial pressures and more recently, leading its response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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He has also been instrumental in the development and delivery of a countywide investment programme, including the new Integra 61 development and the expansion of NETPark, and led the team responsible for bringing online retail giant Amazon to County Durham.

Terry Collins, Chief Executive of Durham County Council, who has announced his retirementTerry Collins, Chief Executive of Durham County Council, who has announced his retirement
Terry Collins, Chief Executive of Durham County Council, who has announced his retirement

After a 43-year career in local government, the council chief has announced that he plans to retire at the end of the calendar year.

“It has been an extremely difficult decision to make, especially after 43 years in local government and 11 years at Durham County Council,” he said.

“However, I will be leaving the council confident in the knowledge that it is in a strong position going forward despite the constant challenges that we continue to experience.

“Durham is an excellent council, which has a strong reputation regionally and nationally.

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“Despite the challenges we face it is performing well with strong leadership and a clear vision.

“It’s been an amazing journey and I will take away many positive memories with me, from the amazing enthusiasm, skill and dedication of our staff, to the passion and support of our strong communities – never more illustrated than now due to the pandemic.”

He added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working at Durham, it’s been a privilege and the highlight of my career being chief executive.

“The memories of working at the council will remain with me for the rest of my life.”

He went on: “I would like to thank the leader of the council, Cllr Simon Henig, Cllr Alan Napier, deputy leader of the council, cabinet, group leaders, elected members, the council’s senior management and all staff and partners for all their support during my time at the council and wish them well for the future.”

Mr Collins, who is due to turn 60 in November, started his career in local government at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council when has was just 17 years old.

During his lengthy career, he has worked across the country at Stockport, Brighton and Hove, Eastleigh, Darlington, South Tyneside and York before joining Durham.

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At Darlington, he was responsible for culture, leisure and environmental services and won many national awards for work with the environment.

As director of neighbourhood services at Durham County Council, he also managed the council’s response to severe weather events including the bad winters of 2009, 2010 and the national salt shortage.

Leader of Durham County Council, Cllr Simon Henig, said: “On behalf of cabinet and everyone at Durham County Council, I would like to thank Terry for everything he has achieved during his time at the council.

“Thanks to his leadership, the council is in a very strong position.

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“His constant drive, innovation and ambition for the county has been instrumental in the council’s success, as has his ability to overcome adversity, including years of austerity.

“As chief executive he has significantly raised the profile of the county nationally and internationally as a great place to live, work, visit, study and invest.”

Cllr Alan Napier, deputy leader, added: “I’ve known Terry for many years and will be sad to see him leave.

“A lot of the council’s success is down to his leadership and passion for thecounty and I would like to wish him all the best in his retirement.”

The council will now begin the process to recruit a new chief executive.

According to published ‘senior council officer salaries’ for 2020/21, the role boasts an annual full-time equivalent salary of £196,343.

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