East Herts Council: Shock departure of chief executive Richard Cassidy

The shock departure of East Herts Council’s chief executive Richard Cassidy has prompted concerns about the stability of the authority.

A statement was issued to the press at 5.06pm on Friday (Sept 13). The Indie understands that rank-and-file councillors and staff got an “urgent” message minutes before from deputy chief executive Helen Standen, who is temporarily in charge.

Mr Cassidy, who has spent 40 years working in local government, joined EHC in June 2019 on a £120,000 remuneration package from Fenland District Council, where he was corporate director. He succeeded Liz Watts, now chief executive of South Cambridgeshire District Council.

Her resignation was announced in December 2018, citing her wish to achieve a better work-life balance, but she did not leave the council until she handed over to Mr Cassidy five months later.

According to EHC’s statement, Mr Cassidy “has made the decision to leave the council as of September 15, 2024”.

He said: “I have really enjoyed my time working for East Herts, having led the organisation through Covid and during a subsequent period of significant change and delivery for the council.

“I have every confidence that they will continue to develop services in the face of the pressures facing local government.”

Cllr Ben Crystall, leader of the Green Party and Liberal Democrat administration, said: “We thank Richard for his service and leadership over the past five years, and we wish him every success and happiness for the future.”

The council’s statement gave no reason for Mr Cassidy’s sudden departure and did not name an interim chief executive or detail the timetable for appointing a new boss.

Councillors across the political spectrum have voiced their concerns about the future to the Indie as the council faces increasing financial pressure and planning challenges including Harlow and Gilston Garden Town.

For some, Mr Cassidy’s departure has highlighted wider staffing issues at East Herts, which at the end of June had 311 employees (281.13 full-time equivalent).

Earlier this month, the human resources committee was told the council had 42 unfilled jobs – 13.5% of all roles.

The report notes: “It takes almost twice as long to recruit to a post as it does for someone to resign and work their notice, which often accounts for the high vacancy number.”

Another high-profile departure this month is Ben Cannell, hospitality and operations manager at BEAM, just over a month after the £30m redevelopment of Hertford Theatre opened. The council is pinning its hopes on the project turning a profit quickly to ease its bottom line.

Director Rhy Thomas left in July shortly before the venue reopened after a three-year overhaul. He had spent 13 years in the post and is now director of Chelmsford Theatre in Essex.

The projected staff turnover rate for this financial year is 15.6% – above the authority’s 14% target.

The committee was told the council’s rationalisation and modernisation programme, called Transforming East Herts, and ill-health retirements were factors.

The Indie understands that Steven Linnett, head of strategic finance and property, is also retiring at the end of November.

Bishop’s Stortford’s Cllr David Jacobs, leader of the Labour group on EHC, said: “I would encourage the joint Green/Lib Dem administration to move quickly to confirm any interim arrangements following Richard’s departure and to accelerate the search for a replacement.

“The chief executive has a statutory as well as a leadership role and it is vital that we have a steady hand leading the council as soon as possible.

“This is the most important role within the council and we will need a high-quality candidate to face the many challenges, both financial and otherwise, that East Herts is dealing with.”

The Indie asked EHC a series of questions about Mr Cassidy, including why he quit and when he gave notice. The authority did not give further details and repeated the contents of Friday’s statement but added that staff turnover at East Herts Council for 2023/24 was in line with the local government average.

The spokeswoman also said: “Within the council’s constitution, in the absence of the chief executive officer (CEO), the deputy CEO takes on CEO duties and responsibilities. Any permanent arrangement must be ratified by council. The next council meeting is in October and the agenda and papers are published one week in advance of the meeting.”