Tameside bids farewell to Harry as apprenticeship legacy takes centre stage

Today (Friday 24 October) marks the final day in office for Tameside Council’s Interim Chief Executive Harry Catherall who steps down after a year of dedicated leadership and impactful service.

In a poignant close to a remarkable career, the outgoing Chief Executive reflected on his journey - from starting as a finance apprentice in Tameside 46 years ago, to proudly launching the borough’s new commitment to recruit 50 apprentices annually through the Train Tameside 500 campaign.

Harry said: “Returning to serve the borough where I live and where my career began has been deeply meaningful.

“Spending my last day launching our apprenticeship pledge is a full-circle moment I’ll never forget.

“My original apprentice contract is the one employment document I’ve kept throughout my career and I’m proud that as a council we are committed to investing in young people and giving back to the community in a way that gave me my start.”

Over the past year, the council has seen a renewed energy across its workforce, with a strong focus on staff engagement, collaboration, and unlocking potential.

Harry added: “Tameside has so much to offer. I’ve seen resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to making a difference from staff, partners and communities. I leave confident in the strength and spirit of our borough.

“It’s been an honour to serve Tameside, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have led this incredible organisation.”

Tameside Council Executive Leader Cllr Eleanor Wills said: “Working alongside Harry for my first year as leader has been a privilege. He has been a strength, a mentor and a friend. I will miss him immensely but remain forever grateful for his influence here in Tameside. He has guided us with expertise, passion and deep personal commitment to Tameside through an important period of transition. His diligence and experience have left a lasting mark on this authority and put us in a strong position for moving forward and driving further improvement. Thank you Harry and we wish you well.”

As the borough looks ahead, Emma Alexander steps into the role of permanent Chief Executive. With extensive experience and a clear vision for the future, Emma is set to build on the progress made and lead Tameside into its next chapter.