The Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough councils, Gillian Beasley OBE, has announced plans to retire early next year after a 38 year career in local government.
Mrs Beasley, who had delayed her original plan to retire last October because of the Covid-19 pandemic, had confirmed her retirement plans to all political leaders in both councils before this month’s local elections.
A solicitor by profession, Mrs Beasley was appointed Chief Executive of Peterborough City Council in 2002.
In 2015, she became joint Chief Executive of both Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council.
Commenting, Mrs Beasley said: “I have been privileged to work with and lead a group of staff at both councils who are tireless in their efforts for people in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire.
"Nothing has demonstrated that more than the last 16 months during the pandemic, when their work has been at the frontline of protecting and supporting local communities.
“I have also been fortunate to work with elected members of all political persuasions, who are driven by a desire to make a real difference to people’s lives.”
During her career, Mrs Beasley has advised the government on children’s law, migration impacts, government housing and cohesion, and served on a number of bodies and commissions linked to these issues.
She also led on a complex child sexual exploitation case in Peterborough, which helped inform and shape future local government practice.
In 2009, Ms Beasley received an OBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for services to local government.
