Tom Riordan, the Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, has confirmed his plans to leave the council following his recent appointment to a prominent position aimed at enhancing health outcomes nationwide.
Earlier in the year, Riordan announced his intention to depart, and he will now assume the role of permanent secretary in the Department of Health and Social Care. Riordan’s move is a significant shift in his career but also marks a continuation of his service to public health and governance. His new role as a permanent secretary will see him split his time between London and Leeds, starting September 23. As he transitions into this pivotal position, his contributions to Leeds will undoubtedly remain a significant part of his legacy, reflecting his dedication and visionary leadership in public service.
Leeds City Council Leader Councillor James Lewis said:
“I’m very pleased to congratulate Tom on achieving such a crucial role in shaping how we forge better health and social care outcomes for everybody. Addressing health inequalities and having the right support systems in place are key to creating wider benefits across society.
“Tom’s exceptional abilities for bringing people together and making things happen have been of great benefit to Leeds and our region and will be invaluable in his new role. I wish him every success as he embraces this exciting opportunity. He leaves an outstanding legacy here and has built an excellent team to take that work forward.”
Leeds City Council chief executive Tom Riordan said:
“I’m really pleased to be joining the team at the Department and coming back to the Civil Service where I started my career. There are few bigger challenges than health and social care, and not many bigger opportunities to make a positive difference to people.
“I have had an incredibly enjoyable career at Leeds City Council and will miss everyone greatly, but I know I’m leaving the council in safe hands. I’m looking forward to continuing to work in the city now as a key partner.”
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting said:
“I am delighted to be welcoming Tom to this role. He is a proven public service reformer with extensive experience in health and social care system transformation and preventative healthcare. His experience will be invaluable as we deliver the mission of this government to build an NHS and social care system fit for the future.“
Tom Riordan has made a significant mark as the Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, a role that has seen him spearhead numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the community and governance of Leeds. Under Riordan’s leadership, Leeds City Council has seen advancements in digital infrastructure, which have played a crucial role in modernizing public services and making them more accessible to residents. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, and his approach to civic management has often been cited as a model for other cities to follow.
Education and public health have been at the forefront of Riordan’s agenda. His initiatives have aimed at closing the gap in educational disparities and enhancing healthcare services to meet the growing needs of Leeds’ diverse population. These efforts have been part of a broader strategy to address social inequalities and promote a higher quality of life for all residents.
Riordan’s tenure has also been marked by his commitment to environmental sustainability. Under his guidance, Leeds City Council has launched several green initiatives, focusing on reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy sources. These initiatives reflect his vision of transforming Leeds into a greener, more environmentally friendly city.
However, after a transformative period at the helm of Leeds City Council, Tom Riordan is set to embark on a new challenge. He has recently been appointed to a leading role in the Department of Health and Social Care. In this new capacity, he will focus on improving health outcomes across the country. This national role will benefit from his extensive experience in governance and his innovative approach to public service.
Wishing Tom Riordan, the Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, the very best of luck in his new role. Your dedication and innovative leadership have left an indelible mark on Leeds, and it’s exciting to see what you will achieve next on the national stage.
