Dr Carolyn Wilkins OBE, Chief Executive of Oldham Council and accountable officer of NHS Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), is leaving after more than 12 years at the authority.
Chief Executive of Oldham Council since 2014, Dr Wilkins has been a central part of its leadership since joining the authority in 2009.
She developed the organisation's co-operative approach, delivered key regeneration projects, including the Old Town Hall, and more recently steered Oldham through the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2018, she became the Accountable Officer of NHS Oldham CCG where she has also led significant improvements.
Recently, she concluded an 11-month secondment to the Department of Health and Social Care, where she worked to focus national and regional support to councils across the country as they tackle Covid-19.
Commenting, Dr Wilkins said:
“As for so many people, the last 18 months have been among the most challenging of my career to date.
“But the way that people have come together to do what was needed has been truly brilliant to see.
“It’s been a real privilege to be part of ‘Team Oldham’ and to work with so many amazing people dedicated to doing their best for our borough.
“Being able to play my part for local government as a whole has also been hugely rewarding. I feel now is the right time for change and I wish all in Team Oldham the very best.”
As well as leading the council and CCG in the borough, Dr Wilkins is also Chair of the Greater Manchester Population Health Board and Co-Chair of the Greater Manchester Cancer Board.
She was appointed to the NHS Assembly in March 2019.
Dr Wilkins was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2016 for her services to local government and public service reform.
Leader of Oldham Council, Councillor Arooj Shah said:
“I would like to place on record my thanks to Carolyn for all she has achieved in Oldham throughout her 12 years here.
“More recently, she has steered us through our response to the pandemic and leaves a huge legacy to follow. I wish her well for all she does in the future.”
Chair of NHS Oldham CCG, Majid Hussain added:
“I and on behalf of colleagues at the CCG want to express thanks to Carolyn for her leadership of NHS Oldham CCG and her wider leadership across the health and care system.
“As a leader, she has contributed to and helped progress a number of areas, including the development of the Team Oldham approach and the integration of services, which will no doubt deliver better outcomes for the communities of Oldham.
“I wish her every success in her future endeavours.”
A recruitment process to replace Dr Wilkins will follow in due course.
