Having been Chief Executive of Suffolk Coastal since September 2005, Stephen became Joint Chief Executive of both Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Councils in April 2008 at a time when there were just a few Chief Executives carrying out this shared role.

Stephen has worked in local government since 1982. His background is general management, being MBA qualified and a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute. Having started with Ipswich Borough Council he then moved to East Northamptonshire District Council as Chief Executive in 2002, before joining Suffolk Coastal District Council. He is closely involved with the developing ‘Transformational Government agenda’ and, after being part of the CIO Council, he is now vice-chairman of the Local Government Delivery Council. Previously he represented local government on various e-government initiatives, and maintains an interest in how technology can support service improvement and the transformation agenda.

Stephen is a member of the LGA Emergency Planning Advisory Panel and is the joint SOLACE representative, with a colleague Chief Executive, on Civil Contingencies issues.