Posted on Wednesday 6th April 2022
Pictured: Helen Riley, Director for Families and Communities and Deputy Chief Executive at Staffordshire County Council
The chief of Staffordshire County Council’s families and communities directorate is to step down after more than 18 years with the council.
Helen Riley, who is also Deputy Chief Executive, oversees children’s services, the management of country parks and the running of libraries as part of her role.
During her time with the council Helen has also been Director of Place, overseeing highways operations and economic growth, and Director of Strategy and Transformation.
Helen said:
“I feel extremely privileged to have spent 18 years with the council in numerous roles, including as Director for Families and Communities for the past seven years.
“In my current role, together we have reshaped services to better meet the needs of Staffordshire families, helped safeguard our country parks for future generations and successfully launched a new community library model.
“It has been an incredibly difficult decision to leave, but care commitments for my own family means it now feels the right time to do so
“There have been some really good times and also some really challenging ones too, but I am proud to have worked with some of the best people in local government and I know I am leaving the directorate in safe hands.”
Helen will take early retirement on June 30 and the recruitment process to take on her responsibilities will start shortly.
Alan White, Leader of the Council, said:
“Helen has been an invaluable member of our Senior Leadership Team for several years and has helped reshape services in a number of areas for the benefit of Staffordshire people.
“Helen is a real people person and has the true gift of being able to bring out the very best in those she works with.
“While we all fully understand her reasons for retiring, she will be sorely missed by the county council. I would like to thank her for the huge contribution she has made and wish her all the best for the future.”