West Surrey Council to Confirm New Chief Executive Tonight

The West Surrey Shadow Council is holding an Extraordinary Shadow Authority meeting today, Thursday, 10 September 2026, to finalize the appointment of its permanent Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service. The session, which is open to the public via a digital stream, begins at 7:00 PM.

At a glance

• Event: Extraordinary Shadow Authority Meeting
• Date: Thursday, 10 September 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Location: Online (Digital access only)
• Cost: Free
• Objective: Formal appointment of Susan Halliwell as Chief Executive

Leadership Transition and Strategic Oversight

Members of the Shadow Council are set to vote on the appointment of Susan Halliwell, the current Chief Executive of Bracknell Forest Council. Halliwell was selected following a national recruitment and assessment process. With over two decades of experience in local government, she has previously held senior leadership positions at West Berkshire Council and Oxfordshire County Council, and currently serves as the Lead Chief Executive of South East Strategic Leaders (SESL).

If confirmed, Halliwell will assume the role of Returning Officer for West Surrey. Her immediate mandate involves steering the authority through the final phases of local government reorganisation. Her professional portfolio includes leading major public health restructuring and overseeing improvements to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services. These experiences are expected to be central to her work as she prepares the council for its formal vesting day on 1 April 2027.

Future Direction for the Authority

Councillor Paul Follows, Leader of the West Surrey Shadow Council, has highlighted the importance of this appointment in establishing a stable foundation for the new authority. The council aims to prioritize high-quality service delivery and community support throughout the transition period.

This meeting also marks a shift in the council’s interim leadership. Andy Brown, who has served as the Interim Head of Paid Service, has been credited by the council for his role in establishing the initial foundations for the new authority. Brown will continue to provide support to the council until Halliwell officially transitions into the post.

How to Participate

As this is a public administrative meeting, residents are invited to observe the proceedings. The council has confirmed that the meeting will be accessible via an online stream starting at 7:00 PM. No physical venue address has been provided for public attendance, making the digital broadcast the primary method for residents to follow the appointment process and subsequent discussions regarding the council’s future structure.

Source: Surrey County Council Press Releases