East Cambridgeshire District Council has announced plans to establish an appointments panel to recommend a new chief executive following the resignation of the current postholder, John Hill, who will leave at the end of December.
The council will initially advertise the role internally to ensure continuity and allow for a smooth handover. The panel will include the leader of the council, the chair of the council, and the leader of the Liberal Democrats and Independent Group.
The chief executive also serves as the council’s head of paid service and returning officer, roles that legally must be filled by council appointment. The process is in line with statutory requirements under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the council’s constitution.
Council officials said internal recruitment could provide a seamless transition and avoid the need for an interim appointment, with the role’s salary remaining within existing budgets.
John Hill has been the chief executive of East Cambridgeshire District Council for a quarter of a century and, as returning officer, has presided over elections for the Mayor of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and for Cambridgeshire Police Commissioner.
Under John Hill’s leadership, East Cambridgeshire District Council achieved 12 consecutive years of freezing Council Tax while remaining debt-free, demonstrating sound financial management and strategic oversight. This has been a cornerstone of the council’s corporate plan, ensuring fiscal responsibility and stability.
He has also played a pivotal role in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.
In 2019, John Hill served as the joint acting Chief Executive of CAPCA, earning an additional £29,000 annually for these responsibilities.
John Hill played a major role in the development of The Hive Leisure Centre in Ely. This £13.5 million project, which opened ahead of schedule in 2018, was a significant investment in the district’s sports and community infrastructure.
The Hive Leisure Centre: A Community-Focused Development
The Hive Leisure Centre was designed to serve as a central hub for health, fitness, and community activities in Ely. The name “Hive” was chosen to reflect the area’s Fenland heritage and the active nature of the building. The facility includes:
- An eight-lane, 25-meter swimming pool
- A learner pool with a moveable floor
- A 120-station gym
- Two activity studios
- A four-court sports hall
- An outdoor 3G artificial turf pitch
These amenities were intended to broaden the options for residents and visitors, enhancing the area’s appeal and promoting healthy lifestyles.
John Hill’s Leadership and Involvement
As Chief Executive, John Hill was instrumental in overseeing the strategic direction and execution of the project. His leadership ensured that the development aligned with the council’s priorities and met the community’s needs. The project was part of a broader initiative to improve local infrastructure, including new housing developments and better recreational facilities.
The Hive in Ely is part of the Ely Leisure Village; a modern development located on Downham Road. It combines leisure, dining, and entertainment facilities, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
His leadership was instrumental in transforming the vision for the Ely Leisure Village into a reality, providing the community with a state-of-the-art leisure destination.
