The region’s largest local authority has added to its senior management team with the appointment of an interim corporate director of resources.
Paul Darby, who has been serving as Durham County Council’s head of finance and transactional services, has today been appointed to the role after spending his entire local government career serving the county.
Paul has a wide range of experience in local government. He started his career at Sedgefield Borough Council in 1987, before moving to Durham City Council in 2007 to become director of finance.
When the new unitary council was created in 2009, he was appointed to the head of finance role, leading the changes required to bring together the financial framework for the new authority. More recently, he has led on the council’s medium-term financial planning work.
He is also responsible for a number of frontline services including the council’s revenues and benefits service.
Paul said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of interim corporate director of resources and very much looking forward to it and all the challenges and opportunities it brings.
“As someone who was not only born in the county but has also spent their entire career here, I am incredibly proud to now be taking on the challenge of leading the county council’s resources service.
“The coronavirus pandemic presents many challenges to local authorities all over the country, but I am lucky enough to be inheriting an exceptionally talented and dedicated team who are all striving to do the best job they can for all the residents and local businesses in the county.”
Paul will take over from John Hewitt, whose appointment as interim chief executive is due to be ratified by full council later this month.
John said: “Paul has done a fantastic job since joining the council in 2009 and I am sure he will continue to do so in his new role. Having had the pleasure of working alongside him for many years, I know how much he cares about the county and how committed he is to ensuring we manage our resources effectively to provide the highest quality service to our residents.”
Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council, said: “Paul has been a real asset to the council since he joined us in 2009, playing a key role in establishing the financial framework for one of the largest local authorities in the country and developing our medium term financial plans.
“This year, I have been impressed by how Paul and his team have risen to the challenge of the coronavirus pandemic, working tirelessly to help residents and businesses access the support available. This dedication has led to Durham County Council being among the most efficient local authorities in the country to allocate this vital funding.
“I am sure Paul will be a valuable addition to our senior management team and I look forward to working with him in his new role as corporate director of resources.”
