Sheffield City Council has announced the appointment of Parveen Akhtar as its new Chief Operating Officer, strengthening the authority’s senior leadership team with a seasoned local government professional known for delivering complex corporate services, transformation initiatives and organisational improvements.
Akhtar brings extensive experience from across major UK councils, currently serving as Executive Director of Corporate Services at Westminster City Council. Her background spans legal leadership, governance, major change programmes and senior operational roles, making her a significant addition to Sheffield’s top team as the Council continues its work to modernise services and improve outcomes for residents.
Image of Parveen Akhtar. Credit: Sheffield City Council
Before joining Westminster, Akhtar held a prominent role at Bradford Council, where she served as Director of Legal, Governance and Change. During her time there, she also carried out two key statutory responsibilities:
- Monitoring Officer
- Deputy Returning Officer
Her earlier career includes senior and specialist posts at Stockport, Hampshire and Salford councils, contributing to her broad understanding of local authority operations, public sector governance and service transformation.
Commenting on her appointment, Akhtar said:
“I’m delighted to be joining Sheffield City Council as the Council drives forward the ambitions and goals for the City.
“Sheffield has an unparalleled sense of place, purpose and public service, and the Chief Operating Officer role provides a unique opportunity to help shape how the Council works, thinks and delivers for the future. I’m excited to work with members, colleagues and partners to enable delivery of the Council Plan and the ambitious Future Sheffield transformation programme.
“I am driven by playing my part in building high-performing, inclusive organisations that deliver great services and outcomes for communities. I have had the privilege of working in local government for the last 17 years after a shorter spell in the private sector. I look forward to returning to Yorkshire after four years in Westminster and can’t wait to get to know the people and the place.”
Akhtar began her career in the legal profession before moving into local government legal services. Her legal expertise has shaped her approach to leadership, governance, reform and risk management across a range of public sector organisations.
Her appointment to Sheffield City Council marks a strategic addition to the corporate leadership team as the organisation continues to pursue improvement, stability and service transformation.
By welcoming a senior leader with a strong track record in transformation and innovation, Sheffield City Council aims to bolster its internal capacity, strengthen governance and enhance operational delivery across services. Akhtar’s blend of legal, corporate and strategic experience positions her to drive improvement programmes and support the Council’s commitment to organisational excellence.
Image credit: iStock and Sheffield City Council
