Hartlepool Borough Council has announced that its Chief Executive, Denise McGuckin, will retire after almost 30 years of dedicated service to the authority.
Denise has led the Council since August 2020, guiding the organisation through one of the most challenging periods in its history during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her calm and decisive leadership ensured vital services continued for residents while steering the borough through unprecedented times.
Under her leadership, Hartlepool has secured over £160 million of investment, driving regeneration and creating new opportunities for residents and businesses. She was instrumental in bringing the Tall Ships Races back to Hartlepool in 2023, an event that attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors and showcased the town on an international stage. Denise has also championed improvements in local services, with the Council’s Children’s Services rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and Adult Services rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission.
Her career with Hartlepool Borough Council began as a Recycling Officer, and she carried out a number of roles, including Environmental Services Manager and Director of Regeneration and Neighbourhoods before becoming Chief Executive.
Denise’s influence has extended far beyond Hartlepool. She has represented the borough and the region nationally, serving as a Lead Peer for the Local Government Association’s Corporate Peer Challenges, supporting councils across the country to strengthen governance and performance. She chaired the Cleveland Local Resilience Forum during the pandemic and has served on a number of national policy boards.
Reflecting on her time at the Council, Denise said: “It has been an honour to serve the people of Hartlepool. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together from strengthening local services to driving forward regeneration and creating opportunities for our communities. I want to thank our staff, elected members, and partners for their unwavering commitment and support.
“There is much more work to do though and in working with Councillor Hargreaves as Leader, I see a renewed sense of energy and optimism. Her dynamic and inclusive leadership style is inspiring and is already shaping a new chapter for Hartlepool. I thoroughly believe Hartlepool is in the very best of hands as I prepare to hand over the baton to our next Chief Executive.”
Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “Denise has been an exceptional leader for Hartlepool. She hasn’t just guided our local authority through some of its most challenging periods – rising demand for services, funding pressures and inflation – she has done so with unwavering calm, determination and, most importantly, compassion. Denise has always put people first and that spirit is reflected in some of our proudest achievements: the unforgettable Tall Ships event, the major regeneration projects she secured investment for, and are now coming to life, the recognition of our Adult Services being rated as ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission and our Children’s Services rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
“What truly sets Denise apart is her deep commitment to the borough and its communities. Her influence will be felt for many years to come.
“On behalf of the Council and the borough, we thank her sincerely for everything she has given to Hartlepool, and we wish her every happiness, fulfilment and adventure in her retirement.”
Denise will remain in post until early summer 2026, ensuring a smooth transition as the Council begins the process of appointing her successor.