John Ransford is a qualified social worker who began his career as a Probation Officer in South East London. Between 1974 and 1981 he held successive posts with Kirklees Metropolitan Council. From 1982 he was Director of Social Services and in 1987 became acting Chief Executive.

He moved to North Yorkshire County Council in January 1988 as Director of Social Services and served subsequently as Chief Executive from 1994 to 1999.

He was Honorary Secretary of the Association of Directors of Social Services (ADSS) from 1993 to 1996 and was awarded the CBE in 1997 for services to social work.

Since 1999 John has been a senior executive at the Local Government Association (LGA) leading on a range of policy initiatives particularly in social care, education and the fire and rescue service and representing the Association to government and major partners.

In January 2009 John was appointed as Chief Executive of the LGA and he became Chief Executive of the Local Government Group in 2010.