Tributes paid to retiring Durham Council Council chief executive Terry Collins

Terry Collins, Chief Executive of Durham County Council, who was speaking at the Research and Data Conference at the Hotel Indigo in Durham. Photo by: Silverbird Photography Emily Carey (www.silverbirdphotography.com)

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.

In September, the council chief announced that he planned to retire at the end of the year – marking the end of a 43-year career in local government.

At Wednesday’s full council meeting (December 2), councillors paid tribute to Mr Collins and his time at Durham County Council.

Councillor Simon Henig, leader of the council’s ruling Labour group, said the officer was a “fantastic asset” to the authority.

“Terry joined the council in the run up to unitarisation in 2009 and had at that time, a very challenging role of pulling together environmental services across seven previous district councils and the previous county council,” Cllr Henig said.

“This was achieved very successfully and at some pace and it’s fair to say that things have never really stopped ever since.

“I can remember back in those early days as well, Terry being our first call of response when we had some bad winters, flooding events and all sorts of things which Terry always responded to very quickly on behalf of neighbourhood services.

“Things have continued at pace ever since and for the last five years, Terry has been chief executive of the council.

“Most recently, as mentioned, Terry has led the council through its response to the Covid-19 pandemic – one of the most challenging periods that I’m sure anybody has ever had to deal with.

“Terry has been a fantastic asset to this council throughout his time here as he has been, I know, to all of the other councils that he has served during his 40 plus years in local government.

“I’m sure I speak on behalf of everyone in wishing Terry a well deserved and happy retirement.”

Leaders of the council’s opposition groups also paid their own tributes, with Liberal Democrat leader, councillor Amanda Hopgood, saying Mr Collins was a “pleasure to work with” as both corporate director and chief executive.

Cllr Hopgood said:“You have always operated an open door policy and made yourself available and approachable to all members.

“On behalf of all the Liberal Democrat members past and present, we wish you a long happy healthy retirement and after the last few months, I would say you truly deserve it.”

Councillor John Shuttleworth, leader of the Durham County Council Independent Group, agreed that the open door policy had been an “asset.”

Meanwhile, councillor Richard Bell, leader of the Conservative group, praised the chief officer’s response to challenges over the years.

Cllr Bell said: “He has always managed to navigate a safe course past the icebergs and I have always felt actually very safe with Terry at the helm of Durham County Council, so I’m genuinely sorry to see him go.”

Councillor Liz Maddison, leader of the Spennymoor Independent Group, noted the “positive and exceptional work” of Mr Collins – particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Councillor Alan Shield, leader of the Durham Independent Group, also praised the council chief for his “diligent approach to addressing problems and issues.”

Cllr Shield went on to say: “We hope that you enjoy your retirement and we wish you good luck, good fortune and most importantly, good health.

“And in the words of Star Trek’s Mr Spock, live long and prosper.”

Mr Collins, who turned 60 in November, started his career in local government at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council when he was just 17 years old.

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

The top officer was responsible for developing Durham County 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 leading its response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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.

The outgoing chief executive thanked councillors for their comments and for the support from all councillors, council staff, partners and trade unions over the years.

He also congratulated corporate director of resources, John Hewitt, who is set to take over the chief executive role on an interim basis.

Mr Collins added: “I believe that the council has a strong reputation locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

“I think we’re stable, we’re high performing across the board, we’ve got great staff and great members serving the great people in our county […] please continue the good work.