Public Sector - Harty to retire from City job

The Corporation of London is to split its town clerk and chamberlain roles when current occupant Bernard Harty retires early next year, writes Ben Griffiths.

Accountancy Age has learned that CIPFA member Harty, who leaves the authority in January after 15 years, will be replaced as chamberlain by Peter Derrick, 50, the current director of finance and corporate services at Surrey County Council.

The town clerk’s job will be filled by Tom Simmons, 55, the current City secretary at the corporation.

He started at the authority in 1983 as deputy town clerk. Simmons has been City secretary since 1996 and is due to assume his new post on 8 January.

The jobs, which both carry salaries in excess of #110,000, are widely regarded as the top finance posts in local government. Prospective candidates are selected by the Court of Common Council.

CIPFA member Derrick said London presented a unique challenge. ‘The corporation has considerable financial strength which gives it more opportunity to do things for the good of London and local government than other authorities,’ he said.

‘The agenda for the City is to be more outward-looking and concentrated on ensuring that London remains the number one world-class city for financial services,’ said Derrick.

Bernard Harty profile, page 22.