Claire Symonds appointed Chief Executive at London Borough of Redbridge
Published: 14 February 2022
Redbridge resident and current Acting Chief Executive at Barking and Dagenham Council, Claire Symonds, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive for the London Borough of Redbridge, subject to council ratification.
Claire grew up in Redbridge, went to school in the Borough, and even started her career here as a Community Charge Assistant.
Welcoming the appointment, the Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Jas Athwal, said: “Claire will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, her strong ties to our Borough complement her impressive skillset and I am looking forward to working with her to continue to deliver for our neighbours across Redbridge.”
Claire joined Barking and Dagenham in 2015 as Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer. During the height of the pandemic and lockdowns, from March 2020 to March 2021, Claire was the acting Chief Executive. She was reappointed to this position again at the start of the year.
With more than 30 years’ experience in Local Government, Claire understands the challenges faced by councils in this post-Covid climate. From 2013 to 2015, Claire worked for the London Borough of Barnet, and for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets from 2005 to 2013.
Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell, said: “Claire has been hugely loyal to Barking and Dagenham and she’s been a massive part of the Council’s transformation and in helping to lay foundations for our next phase.
During the pandemic, Claire was instrumental in keeping our organisation going through some of the most challenging times, keeping our staff engaged and motivated. That’s one of the reasons she was awarded the Freedom of the Borough last April - the highest award that can be bestowed in Barking and Dagenham to people who have made an outstanding contribution to the Borough. I know the organisation will miss her hugely and we wish her all the best at Redbridge.”
Fiona Taylor will step up as Acting Chief Executive at Barking and Dagenham Council. Claire will be joining Redbridge at the end of May and replaces Interim Chief Executive Lesley Seary who joined the Council in April last year.
Cllr Athwal added:
“Lesley has done a fantastic job supporting and guiding the Council while we sought and found a permanent replacement. I would like to thank Lesley for all that she has done for this Borough, this Council, and our residents.
