Lord Kerslake was a titan of local government. It was a passion for him.
He was also someone I was privileged to count as both a colleague and a friend, having known him and his family for many years in both a personal and professional capacity.
For a decade I worked with him at Sheffield City Council where we tackled a range of housing and regeneration schemes – including the infamous Park Hill regeneration programme with Urban Splash.
I will never forget his generosity in the job, his willingness to share his knowledge and his commitment to developing his colleagues.
He was passionate about the important role of local government and the positive difference we can make to people’s lives. This is an ethos that I continue to hold closely – and something that everyone working in public service should remember.
Lord Kerslake held many roles in local government – with the Greater London Authority (GLA), Hounslow LBC and Sheffield City Council, BeFirst (the regeneration agency for Barking and Dagenham), the Mayoral Development Corporation in Stockport, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Future Places. He was also part of the review of the Mayor of London’s plans for delivering affordable housing on GLA land and the review of Lambeth LBC’s approach to tackling its affordable housing gap.
On top of that he became an important figure in the aftermath of the 2017 Manchester arena attack where he led the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Review into the response. His findings were subsequently endorsed and built upon by the public inquiry, which goes to show the respect he commanded in the public sector.
How many people could credit such a roll call of accomplishments and claim a sphere of influence so wide? Very few. Such was Bob’s energy and determination.
Only a short time ago I had the honour of attending The MJ Awards on his behalf and read out a speech he had written to accept his Outstanding Contribution to Local Government award.
That speech told of his unerring belief in local government as a driver for positive change and he remained a committed disciple of greater devolution to the end. However, he believed our sector will face significant challenges to persuade future governments of the importance of local government and the need to devolve greater power to local areas. As well as the need to advance equality, diversity, and inclusion at all levels if we are to be truly representative of the community we serve.
He intended to add his considerable voice to the debate and he would have been an important ally in the conversation.
As well as his many achievements, we should reflect on Bob’s qualities as a leader; his humility, a quiet but determined man intent on making a difference to others. His generosity; everyone he met felt valued, listened to, and encouraged. He was prepared to speak out on issues that he felt were wrong. A leader of great integrity and ability.
Thank you, Lord Bob Kerslake, for your legacy.
Joanne Roney OBE is chief executive of Manchester City Council
@joanneroney @ManCityCouncil
