Interim Chief Executive appointed

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Darren Welsh as our new interim Chief Executive, following ratification at the last Full Council meeting.

Previous Chief Executive Claire Hamilton has left to take up a new role as Chief Executive of the London Borough of Redbridge.

Darren joined Dacorum Borough Council in January 2023, having previously worked at Director and Chief Officer level for six councils, across Hertfordshire and London. He has worked in Local Government for more than 30 years in the fields of Housing, Property and Regeneration.

Cllr Adrian England, Leader of the Council, said: “With his experience at a senior level in a number of local authorities and having been with us for the past two years, Darren has a wealth of know-how and local knowledge and will be able to keep the momentum going as we continue to implement Our Corporate Plan for Dacorum 2024-2028. Having led our high-achieving Housing Service, recognised by the national regulator in 2024, he will continue to be a real benefit to Dacorum in his new role.”

Darren said: "I am deeply honoured to be appointed as interim Chief Executive of Dacorum Borough Council. I will be working alongside our partners, residents, and businesses to achieve the best possible outcomes for our local communities during a period where local government is navigating both significant challenges and the changes through local government reorganisation.

“I look forward to working with the Leader, Councillors, and staff to drive forward the ambitions of the corporate plan to improve the delivery of services, put our residents at the heart of everything we do and empower our local communities to have a real say on our services and the borough."