Corporate leadership team

Our Corporate Leadership Team of chief officers and senior managers meets weekly to develop policy issues in line with the Council's aims, objectives and priorities and to discuss key issues.

The Corporate Leadership Team, led by the Chief Executive, also considers other internal control issues, including risk management, performance management, compliance, efficiency and value for money, and financial management.


Chief Executive

Paul Wilson chief executive Paul Wilson

Paul Wilson, Chief Executive, is Head of Paid Service and has overall responsibility for all Services and areas of work.

The Chief Executive advises Members on policy at a strategic level and ensures their decisions are converted into action.

He is the key link between Members and Officers, taking responsibility for organisational development, major strategic partnerships, governance and resources, together with supporting front line services.

Paul ensures the Council is fit for purpose and gives line management support to Service Directors, supporting:

  • Director of Resources and S151 Officer
  • Director of Corporate & Customer Services and Monitoring Officer
  • Director of Regeneration and Policy
  • Director of Community & Environmental Services
  • Director of Regulatory Services
  • Director of Housing Services
  • The Human Resources Manager also reports directly to the Chief Executive.

Service Directors

Service Directors are the operational leads for their areas and take full responsibility for delivery of their services. The Chief Executive offers personal support and advice to the Service Directors and with them develops policy areas and the direction of travel for their service areas.

Karen Henriksen

Karen Henriksen Karen Henriksen is Director of Resources and has statutory duties as the Council's appointed Chief Financial (Section 151) Officer. Her responsibilities include: Accountancy & Exchequer, Audit, Council Tax and Non-Domestic Rates/Benefits (outsourced to Chesterfield Borough Council), Estates & Facilities, ICT, Risk Management, Data Protection.

Helen Mitchell

helen mitchellHelen Mitchell is Director of Corporate & Customer Services and Monitoring Officer. Her responsibilities include Democratic and Member Services, Elections and Electoral Registration, Legal Services and Land Charges, Information Governance, Freedom of Information, Customer Services, Business Support, Communications & Marketing, Digital Transformation and Business Process Re-engineering, Street Naming and Numbering, Complaints and the overall ethical framework for councillors and officers.

Tim Braund

Tim BraundTim Braund is Director of Regulatory Services. His responsibilities include: Climate Change, Development Management, Environmental Health, Estates and Facilities, and Licensing, with contract management responsibilities for Building Control and Emergency Planning.

Steve Capes

Steve CapesSteve Capes is Director of Regeneration & Policy. His responsibilities include: Corporate Plan, Economic Development, Equalities, Partnerships (LSP, Business Peak District etc), Performance, Planning Policy, Public Consultation, Tourism, Transformation.

Rob Cogings

Rob CogingsRob Cogings is Director of Housing. His responsibilities include: Home Options, Homelessness, Housing Advice, Strategic Housing, working with housing associations, developing new council housing, refugees, estate regeneration and energy efficiency.

Ashley Watts

Ash WattsAshley Watts is Director of Community & Environmental Services. His responsibilities include: Arts, Community Safety, Enabling Community Delivery, Events, Leisure, Markets, Matlock Bath Illuminations, Sports Development, Agricultural Business Centre Operations, Car Park Operations, Cemeteries, Countryside Management, Enviro Crime, Parks & Streetscene, Pest Control, Public Conveniences, Transport Operations, Waste & recycling.

A-Z of services