Chief Executive shortlisted for national award

Wokingham Borough Council’s chief executive, Susan Parsonage, has been short-listed for a major national award for outstanding leadership and community impact.

Susan was named on the MJ Chief Executive of the Year shortlist on Wednesday 25 February, following strong testimonials from community leaders across the borough.

During Susan’s time as the council’s chief executive, the borough council has:

• Been rated second most productive authority in England out of 149 councils by the independent Impower Productivity Index
• Achieved one of the highest Care Quality Commission ratings nationally for adult services
• Won the Municipal Journal Housing Award for innovative Specialist Accommodation for disabled adults
• Won the Municipal Journal Delivering Social Value and Sustainability Award for a Town Centre Regeneration 
• Won the Local Government Chronicle Digital Innovation Award for a technology project with the NHS to help people find tailored support and reduce pressure on GPs
• Been a finalist in the Municipal Journal Local Authority of the Year Award

Backed by local community leaders

Susan’s short-listing has been supported by Emma Cantrell MBE, CEO of First Days Children’s Charity, who wrote in her testimonial: "Under Susan Parsonage’s leadership, I have witnessed a profound and lasting transformation in Wokingham Borough Council’s relationship with the voluntary and community sector. 

"What was once a paternalistic and at times, condescending dynamic has been reshaped into one founded on mutual respect, trust and genuine partnership."

Susan has strongly advocated the development of the Communities Vision, a guiding document produced by partners across the borough’s community, including voluntary and business sectors that sets partners ambitions for the future.

The Communities Vision steering group chair, Nick Fellows, who is chief officer of the Wokingham Volunteer Centre, also wrote a testimonial for Susan, stating: "Susan is setting clear expectations of her senior team and driving that culture of partnership working.

"I've seen seen examples of best practice permeate throughout departments, ensuring the best possible value and outcomes are derived for all parties.

"It is a pleasure to be part of a system where our sector is both a trusted and valued partner." 

Winner announced in June this year

The winner of the MJ Chief Executive of the Year will be announced on Friday 19 June.

Leader of the council, Cllr Stephen Conway said: “It is a pleasure to work with Susan and wonderful that her commitment to our community and the outstanding skill she brings to her role has been recognised in these prestigious awards.”