Reading Borough Council to appoint permanent Council Chief Executive

Reading Borough Council are set to ratify the appointment of Mrs Jackie Yates as Chief Executive this week.

Mrs Yates is currently Interim Chief Executive of the Council. Having successfully negotiated Council's Personnel Panel Committee, she will be unanimously recommended to the full council as the new permanent CEO.

Their decision is expected to be ratified, when it is, Mrs Yates will replace outgoing CEP Peter Sloman. The incumbent interim CEO joined Reading Borough Council in 2018 as Executive Director of Resources and became Deputy Chief Executive in 2021.

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Jackie Yates has worked in Local Government her whole career, starting as a graduate trainee in the Finance Department of Oxfordshire County Council. She has also served the constituents of Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire County and Oxford City Councils. As a result, she has a wealth of experience across County, District and Unitary authorities. 

Councillor Jason Brock, Reading Borough Council Leader, said: “Jackie brings with her a wealth of experience as a leader in Local Government and right across the range of local authority types. Her passion and commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for our residents, our partners and our communities, really stood out.

“I am additionally pleased that we have been able to recommend to Full Council an internal candidate for this key post. It means she can hit the ground running at a critical time where local councils again will be the first port of call for residents who may be struggling through the cost of living crisis. I am confident Jackie will help build on our many successes to date and help us face any challenges head on.”

Jackie Yates said: “It is a huge privilege to take on the role of Chief Executive.  Reading is a thriving and vibrant town with many opportunities, but also some significant challenges that will only be exacerbated by the current cost of living crisis.

“I am excited and looking forward to working with Councillors, partners, our fantastically talented staff and communities to ensure all our residents have the opportunity to share in Reading’s success and live their best lives.”

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Main image Jackie Yates. Photo credit Reading BC.