West Surrey Council Set to Confirm New Chief Executive

Published on: 10 Sep, 2026
Updated on: 11 Sep, 2026

Susan Halliwell

Subject to agreement at an Extraordinary West Shadow Authority meeting later today (Thursday, September 10), the West Surrey Shadow Council is set to confirm Susan Halliwell as its permanent Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service.

The news came from a press release published by Surrey County Council this morning.

Susan Halliwell, currently Chief Executive of Bracknell Forest Council, was selected as the preferred candidate following a national recruitment campaign and a comprehensive assessment process. She is also recommended for appointment as Returning Officer for West Surrey Council.

The SCC press release says: “Susan brings more than 20 years of local government experience. She is also the current Lead Chief Executive of South East Strategic Leaders (SESL).

“Throughout her career, Susan has led major transformation programmes across local government, including devolution and local government reorganisation. She has overseen improvements to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services, led major public health restructuring programmes and delivered initiatives that have improved outcomes for residents, communities and businesses.”

If approved, Susan will lead West Surrey Council through the next stages of local government reorganisation and support preparations for the creation of the new authority on April 1 2027, despite all other council reorganisations being paused.

Cllr Paul Follows

Cllr Paul Follows (Lib Dem, Godalming South, Milford & Witley), leader of the West Surrey Shadow Council, said: “I am delighted that Susan Halliwell has been identified as our preferred candidate for Chief Executive of West Surrey Council.

“Susan is an outstanding and highly respected local government leader with a proven track record of delivering large-scale transformation and improvement. She has successfully led organisations through significant change while maintaining a relentless focus on improving outcomes for residents and creating positive working environments for staff.

“Subject to full council agreement, I am looking forward to working closely with her to create a council that delivers excellent services, supports thriving communities and provides strong local leadership across West Surrey.

“I would also like to thank Andy Brown for his dedication and leadership as Interim Head of Paid Service for the West Surrey Shadow Council. Andy has played a crucial role in helping us prepare for vesting day and establish strong foundations for the new authority. We are grateful for his continued support until Susan takes up her post.”

Prior to joining Bracknell Forest Council, Susan served as Executive Director of Place at West Berkshire Council and previously held senior leadership roles at Oxfordshire County Council.

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