Partnership Approach for New Director of Community Services

Originally from Newcastle, Adam gained a BEng in Mechanical Engineering from Manchester Metropolitan University, before gaining a Masters in Facilities Management from the University of the West of England.

After university, Adam commenced a 25-year career in local government, managing services such as waste management, parks and open spaces, health and leisure and culture. He has a particular interest and passion for working in partnership to drive change and achieve transformative outcomes for local communities.

In 2014, in the role of chief executive at the Greater Manchester Office of the Police and Crime Commission, he worked with other chief executives to bring public sector reform and devolution to Greater Manchester, leading on the first Policing and Criminal Justice Devolution deal. In addition, Adam also led on partnerships with public sector and voluntary bodies in areas such as domestic abuse, mental health, and modern slavery.

Adam then joined Middlesborough Council as director of culture, communities and communication, where he was instrumental in leading on a programme of change and regeneration on the delivery of council services to the community. A key initiative within this programme was the development of the regional landmark Town Hall venue.

Adam joins Ribble Valley Borough Council from Rossendale Council, where as director of communities he led on the response to Covid and spearheaded improvements to their waste services, digital services and greenspaces, obtaining the first green flag award for a park for the borough.

Ribble Valley Borough Council chief executive Marshal Scott said: “Adam brings a dynamic skill set to the authority and we are looking forward to working with him to drive our communities’ strategies and delivery forward in the future.”

Adam said: “I am delighted to have joined Ribble Valley Borough Council and am committed to understanding the needs of the community and working in partnership to deliver the best possible services and outcomes for Ribble Valley. I have already spent time with the refuse team and the grounds maintenance team to familiarise myself with some of the services that are so important to residents.”

Outside of work, Adam enjoys mountain climbing and is a keen traveller and explorer, counting the Antarctic and the Galapagos as among his favourite places to visit.

Adam is married, with two children, and lives in Stockport.