Bracknell CEO Susan Halliwell Moves to Surrey

Bracknell Forest Council's chief executive, Susan Halliwell, is leaving at the end of the year to become chief executive of West Surrey Council.

She has been the council's chief executive since September 2022. The West Surrey role is new, created as part of the reorganisation of local government.

Councillors and staff have been told and a full recruitment process to find her successor will take place this autumn.

Helen Purnell, the leader of Bracknell Forest Council, said: "Susan has been an inspiring and ambitious chief executive who has helped us tackle many challenges and capitalise on many opportunities since she joined in September 2022."

"Susan's appointment as the first chief executive of West Surrey Council shows that Bracknell Forest is a great place to develop ambitious, senior leaders."

"I have enjoyed working with her immensely and know that she will be a great asset to West Surrey Council."

"I would like to publicly thank Susan for all her hard work, dedication and enthusiasm and wish her every success in her new role."

"We are now starting a full and thorough recruitment process to find a new chief executive for Bracknell Forest Council."

Local Democracy Reporter Chris Caulfield has revealed that Mrs Haliwell will receive a £236,485 annual salary at West Surrey. She currently earns £200,000-£205,000, according to a document published by Bracknell Forest Council in April.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter