Corporate Services Directorate
Interim Director
Samantha Smith
Samantha Smith - Interim Director of Corporate Services (Section 151 Officer).
Email: samantha.smith@rochdale.gov.uk
The postholder leads the Corporate Services directorate staff in the delivery of quality services to both internal and external customers.
They work closely with the chief executive in supporting the successful delivery of the council's corporate priorities.
The Corporate Services directorate is responsible for finance, revenues and benefits, internal audit, fraud, risk management, insurance, human resources, legal and governance, communications team, digital, IT, registration and celebrant services, coroners service and, corporate policy, performance and improvement.
This post is statutory appointment identified in Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972.
Responsibilities include:
- Leading and managing an effective and responsive financial service by maintaining strong financial management and effective financial controls.
- Contributing to corporate management and leadership.
- Supporting and advising both elected members and council officers in their roles.
- Leading promotion and delivery by the whole organisation of good financial management, so that public money is safeguarded at all times and used appropriately, economically, efficiently and effectively.
Interim Deputy Chief Finance Office
Gareth Davies - Assistant Director - Finance (Deputy Chief Finance Officer)
Email: gareth.davies@rochdale.gov.uk
The post holder is responsible for Finance, Internal Audit, Counter Fraud, Insurance and Risk and is designated as Deputy Section 151 Officer.
Responsibilities include:
- Ensuring strong financial management and controls.
- Producing statutory annual accounts.
- Developing the council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy.
Interim Assistant Director
Ann Ridyard - Interim Assistant Director, Workforce
Email: ann.ridyard@rochdale.gov.uk
The post holder is responsible for Health and Safety, Human Resources (HR), Organisational Development, Payroll and Pensions.
Responsibilities include:
- Providing strategic leadership for the council’s workforce and organisational development services, making sure they are high‑quality, good value for money and support the council’s main priorities and values.
- Acting as the council’s strategic advisor on workforce and organisational development, shaping and delivering strategies that develop workforce capability and support organisational transformation.
- Offering expert advice and guidance to the Leadership Team and councillors on workforce matters, including HR services, organisational development strategy and compliance with employment law.
Interim Assistant Director
Danny Brierley - Interim Assistant Director, Communications and Policy
Email: danny.brierley@rochdale.gov.uk
Responsibilities include:
- Communications
- Digital services
- Policy and performance
- Data and intelligence
- Climate change
Assistant Director
Nicola Strapps - Assistant Director, Digital, ICT and Transformation.
Email: nicola.strapps@rochdale.gov.uk
Responsibilities include:
- Providing advice and guidance to the Leadership Team on all ICT, digital and transformation matters and to councillors to support corporate decision-making and overall strategic management.
- Making sure the council’s ICT and digital needs are delivered efficiently and effectively.
- Driving transformation and reform of service delivery in range of areas, delivering significant cashable financial benefits as result.
- Developing and making sure the overall transformation programme is delivered successfully.
- Leading on the council’s transformation and reform delivery arrangements, making innovative thinking and approaches to delivery and where appropriate linking outcomes to Greater Manchester initiatives.
Head of Revenues and Benefits
Peter Moss - Head of Revenues and Benefits
Email: peter.moss@rochdale.gov.uk
Responsibilities include:
- Overseeing the collection of revenues through Council Tax and Business Rates.
- Overseeing the awarding and monitoring of benefits for residents of the borough of Rochdale.