I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to you as you consider joining us at Tameside Council. This is an exciting and pivotal time for our borough, and we are seeking visionary leaders to take on the roles of Strategic Director of Corporate Services and Strategic Director of Finance (S151) - positions that are central to our future success.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new permanent Chief Executive, Emma Alexander, who will be joining us on 27 October. Emma brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to public service, and her leadership marks a new chapter for Tameside. As part of this refreshed leadership team, your role will be instrumental in shaping our strategic direction, ensuring financial resilience, and delivering high-quality services to our residents.

Having the pleasure of working closely with our passionate officers, dedicated members, community leaders, and the wonderful people of Tameside, I can confidently say that our borough is driven by a collective commitment to excellence. The graft, integrity, and innovation that permeate every corner of Tameside are a testament to the strong ethics of loyalty, honesty, and pride that define us as do-ers. We are looking for someone who can harness these qualities and further inspire and support our valued workforce to drive Tameside forward, deliver our corporate plan, and lead our ambitious council with distinction.

With a newly formed Strategic Growth Unit, we are accelerating growth through a series of transformative initiatives that are putting the borough on the map. With substantial investments in infrastructure, housing, and economic development, Tameside is becoming a hub of innovation and opportunity. The council's commitment to inclusive growth ensures that all residents benefit from these advancements, fostering a vibrant and resilient community. Major projects like the revitalisation of our town centres, Godley Green, the Ashton Mayoral Development Zone are attracting businesses and talent from across the region. As Tameside continues to evolve, we are establishing ourself as a key player in the Greater Manchester area, and are a key focus of the newly launched Greater Manchester Strategy, driving economic prosperity and enhancing the quality of life for our residents through transport-led regeneration.

In Tameside we are proud of our rich history and diverse communities. Each of the nine towns within Tameside boasts its own unique cultural identity. Stalybridge, for instance, stands out with its exceptional cultural offerings, from lively arts scenes to historical landmarks that tell the story of its past. Whether it's the varied markets, community festivals, or the array of museums and galleries, Tameside's cultural landscape is a testament to the area's commitment to celebrating its diversity and preserving its rich history. This blend of tradition and innovation makes Tameside a truly special place to live and visit.

While we are ambitious, we are also acutely aware of the challenges we face and the improvements we must make as a council. Tameside is one of the more deprived areas in England, and the demand on our services is high. There is strength in our communities because of the challenges we face and we need to double-down and work hard looking for the opportunities for our most vulnerable residents and employees to ensure they can thrive.

As part of our senior leadership team, you will play a critical role in ensuring we continue to deliver essential services, reduce inequalities, build resilience, and keep our people at the heart of everything we do. Working at the core of our central support system, your leadership will be crucial in driving economic prosperity and making the necessary changes to secure a brighter future for our borough.

We are committed to tangibly impacting the lives of our residents, creating both a working environment and a borough where everyone can achieve their hopes and ambitions. We believe that with your leadership, we can make this vision a reality.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to join us on our journey. We look forward to the possibility of welcoming you to Tameside and working together to achieve great things for our community.

Cllr Eleanor Wills, Executive Leader Tameside Council