THE NEW man in charge of Tameside Council’s non-political branch insists he can start to ‘turn the tide’, despite doubts.
Harry Catherall has been seconded from neighbouring Oldham to become interim chief executive on a four-day-a-week basis.
Questions were raised at a special meeting of the authority on Tuesday, October 29 – a day after an interview panel unanimously voted to bring him in.
And the man who replaces Sandra Stewart while a permanent chief is found, which could take up to 12 months, has promised a new approach as he goes back to where it began.
Stalybridge resident Mr Catherall said: “I began my career as a 16-year-old apprentice at Tameside Council, which kickstarted my 40-plus year career in local government, so it brings me great pride to return to the authority in its time of need.
“I will be working closely with senior leaders and elected members over the coming weeks to ensure I have a full understanding of the improvements that are needed.
“I’m confident that we can start to turn the tide and make real progress for the residents of Tameside.”
Top of Mr Catherall’s agenda will be Tameside’s ‘inadequate’ children’s services department, as well as tackling claims of a ‘toxic’ and ‘bullying’ culture made in a withering report by government-appointed commissioner Andy Couldrick.
New first deputy, Cllr Tafheen Sharif, spoke of a ‘rigorous’ two-hour interview he went through.
And she added: “This council needs stability and given Mr Catherall’s interview, I have found him to bring that calmness, that stability and that engaging style of leadership we need.
“This will create the culture we need, the confidence and the trust of our residents.
“I found him to be very passionate about Tameside. He wants to come back and help us change things.”
Despite that, there were doubts among opposition councillors about the process and the appointment.
Conservative Cllr Liam Billington said: “There was another candidate. However, they decided to drop out of the process because he felt it was a done deal in advance.
“I don’t have any doubts about Mr Catherall, I’m sure he would be good for the borough.
“But it’s incumbent on ourselves to make sure we have a proper, thorough process within this. I feel it’s totally wrong and does a disservice to the residents of this borough.”
Independent Cllr Kaleel Khan asked: “How does the council justify this part-time arrangement? Will this temporary set-up provide the sustained leadership Tameside requires or is it merely a short-term solution?”
Councillors in Oldham have voiced their worries over Mr Catherall’s working arrangement but Tameside’s new executive leader, Cllr Eleanor Wills, believes his work in both children’s and adults’ services makes him the right man.
She said: “We know Harry has a proven track record of leading high-performing children’s and adults social care services and overseeing large-scale public service improvement programmes.”
Mr Catherall’s appointment completes the senior team of leaders responsible for bringing improvements required in children’s services.
Cllr Teresa Smith is executive member for children and families, while Dr Catherine Driscoll is interim director of that department.
“We have an excellent team in place to take this work forward,” Cllr Wills added.
“During the coming months, we will continue our recruitment for a permanent director of children’s services and start the recruitment for a permanent chief executive.
“We are taking the time needed to do this right. There is a careful and serious process to follow in order to appoint people with the right level of experience and commitment.
“Together, we are committed not only to making the necessary improvements to children’s services, but also to addressing the issues that have been identified with the culture of the organisation.”
Dr Driscoll commented: “We’re confident we will make the necessary improvements to services, but it’s important to be clear there are no quick fixes.
“We’re moving at pace but we’re also making sure we do this right – and that does take time.
“Ultimately, the priority here is getting this work right for children and their families throughout Tameside. They deserve the best care and support, and to grow and thrive in a safe and protected environment.”