In July 2010, Graham was appointed to the joint post of chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council and NHS Teaching Care Trust Plus. Graham took over the role as chief executive of the Council in October 2006. His previous role with the authority was executive director (regeneration and technical) which he started in July 1998 and he also served as deputy chief executive.
Graham’s ultimate goal as chief executive is to continually improve all aspects of the lives of the citizens of the borough. He has made some major changes to achieve this including a more stream-lined and efficient chief officer restructure and introducing an improved leadership development programme for all senior managers. Graham is committed to partnership working with public, private and voluntary sectors as a way of creating extra capacity to achieve the key priorities for the borough and its citizens.
Graham chairs the Pennine Lancashire Association of Chief Executive’s (PLACE) group which is instrumental in moving Pennine Lancashire forward to meet the needs of a modern society. PLACE has developed one of the country’s first MAA (multi area agreement) which will be achieved by the Pennine Lancashire region working together. Graham also led the formation of an economic development company, Regenerate Pennine Lancashire Ltd, which is the main delivery vehicle for achievement targets of the MAA.
A key achievement has been the formation of a Care Trust Plus in April 2010, and more recently the development of a single integrated management team, which uniquely brings together in one organisation the Council and the PCT to integrate services and make real efficiencies.
Graham plays a key role across the county, with the support of Lancashire Constabulary in coordinating counter terrorism initiatives. He chairs the Lancashire CONTEST Board which provides an oversight and governance across all strands of counter terrorism for Lancashire.
Graham plays a key role in supporting members regionally for the 4NW leaders forum and other regional bodies and recognises the importance of Blackburn with Darwen continuing its influential role regionally and nationally.
Previously he worked for Liverpool City Council where he was assistant director for social services. Prior to this he had been involved in workforce development on social services and started his local government career as a social worker, following qualification as a teacher.
