Who are the lead officers?

Elected councillors provide the policies and the paid employees - council officers - put them into practice. The council employs about 430 staff who are responsible for a wide range of services that benefit the local community. 

The Corporate Management Group manages the activities of the council staff and advises councillors on the potential implications of strategic decisions.

By law, senior council staff are not allowed to take part in any party political activity and are expected to advise and assist all councillors irrespective of their political affiliation.

Corporate Management Group contacts

Jane Hartnell: Managing Director 

Responsible for Financial Services, People and Business Support, Legal services, Accommodation and Transformation, IT, Policy, Continuous Performance and Democratic Services.
e-Mail: jhartnell@hastings.gov.uk

Peter Grace: Assistant Director Financial Services and Revenues ('Section 151 Officer')

Responsible for Finance, Revenue Services, Estates, Audit and Surveyors.
e-Mail: pgrace@hastings.gov.uk

Mike Hepworth: Assistant Director Environment and Place 

Responsible for Waste, Parking and Streetscene, Licensing, Parking, Environmental Health, Cemetery and Crematorium, Environmental and Natural Resources and Community Safety 
e-Mail: mhepworth@hastings.gov.uk

Andrew Palmer: Assistant Director Housing and Built Environment 

Responsible for Housing, Housing Renewal, Development Management (Planning), LLPG and Land Charges, Licensing and Social Lettings Agency 
e-Mail: apalmer@hastings.gov.uk

Victoria Conheady: Assistant Director Regeneration and Culture

Responsible for External Funding, Resort Services, Planning Policy, Cultural Development, Regeneration, Economic Development, Leisure Development and Marketing and Improvement Projects.
e-Mail: vconheady@hastings.gov.uk

Verna Connolly: Executive Manager, People and Business Support

Responsible for Human Resources, Community Contact Centre and Business Support.
e-Mail: vconnolly@hastings.gov.uk

Christine Barkshire-Jones: Chief Legal Officer

Responsible for: Legal Services and Electoral Services, Monitoring Officer
e-Mail: cbarkshire-jones@hastings.gov.uk