Jenny Rowlands

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A VACANCY at the top of Camden Council is set to open up after its chief executive announced she will step down from her role later this year.

Jenny Rowlands has been at the Town Hall for eight years ­– six of them as the boss.
A well-known figure in local government circles, she has spent more than 40 years working for councils – and councillors were this week praising her long public service.

Ms Rowlands had the historic job of announcing the constituency results at last year’s general election which saw Sir Keir Starmer hold his seat on the night he became prime minister.

She was in the hot seat for the council’s response to Covid and the cost-of-living crisis, and at a time when budgets for local government were slashed.

She said this week “it has been the privilege of my working life” to hold the position of chief
executive.

In her message to staff, Ms Rowlands added: “I came into post in spring 2019 to meet the challenge set by our elected members of reforming our services and shaping a workforce ready for the challenges of the 21st century. We have built an organisation which at its core is focused on people, relationships and power-sharing, and capable of meeting the energy and pace of Camden’s citizens.

“We have listened to our staff, and working together we have made lasting change to the diversity of our leadership so that it properly reflects the diversity of our communities. We have taken outstanding practice from around our organisation to challenge the status quo – and to imagine a better future for Camden through missions. I am excited to continue to see the organisation and partners grow and contribute to the national agenda.”

There will be no shortage of interest in the role when the search for her successor begins in the coming months. The salary is up to £200k a year and Camden is a sought-after council for local government careers.

Ms Rowlands is known to be a smitten new grandmother and is understood to be taking some time out to decide what she will do next. “I have worked my entire life in public service – and working in and with communities will remain my calling,” she said. “I have had the privilege of working with partners, councillors and Camden staff who have met every challenge with humility, grace and commitment. Their passion, energy and example will stay with me always.”

Council leader Councillor Richard Olszewski said he felt “incredibly fortunate” to have worked with her, adding: “She will remain a close friend of Camden.”

He said: “She has dedicated her working life to local government with passion and commitment to equity, social justice and community that goes above and beyond every time. Her understanding of our communities, elected councillors and partners has been transformational and delivered lasting change.

“I am hugely grateful to Jenny for all the personal support and wise counsel she has given me.”

Former leader Georgia Gould, now an MP, said: “Jenny is the kind of leader that makes the impossible happen. Her warmth, energy and insight and strength of purpose are all infectious. Officers from the front line to the top of the organisation would tell me she created an environment where they could be themselves and inspired them to be innovators.
“

She leaves a huge legacy. I learnt so much from seeing how she leads.”