Croydon Council has appointed Dean Shoesmith as its permanent chief people officer following a successful recruitment round.
Dean joined the council in November 2021 in an interim capacity, bringing over 20 years’ experience in HR leadership across other south London councils, including Lambeth, Sutton and Merton.
His notable past work includes creating the first cross-borough HR department for Sutton and Merton and leading Lambeth to the Investors in People silver standard award – an accreditation in good people management.
Dean takes up this permanent role at a crucial time for the council as it continues to deliver the Croydon Renewal Plan. He will lead on a cultural transformation programme, where engaging staff and strengthening equality within the organisation will be key.
The chief people officer has an important role in driving the council’s equality and diversity agenda, making sure Croydon’s diversity is represented through an inclusive working environment and reflected externally in all council work.
In his short time at the council, Dean has already launched an updated staff code of conduct to embed public sector principles and delivered a senior leadership recruitment drive. He has also been working to update Croydon’s internal workforce strategy, which aims to upskill and develop staff to deliver at their full potential on behalf of residents.
Preparing the organisation for the new governance model with a directly elected mayor will be an additional priority in the build up to May’s local election.
Dean said: “I am delighted to join Croydon Council at such a pivotal time for the organisation and its people. Looking after and developing our staff is such an important part of achieving our improvement plans.
I am determined to make sure Croydon is an organisation that attracts, nurtures and retains the best people. We have a lot to do, but I am excited for what lies ahead.”
Chief executive Katherine Kerswell said: “It is fabulous news that Dean will be joining us permanently as Croydon’s Chief People Officer. He is an impressive addition to our senior leadership team and has already had such a positive impact on our ongoing journey to shape Croydon’s future.”
