NALC chief executive announces retirement

Our chief executive, Jonathan Owen, has announced he will retire in March 2027 after 12 years leading the organisation.

Since becoming chief executive, Jonathan has helped drive progress across the parish and town council sector. He has worked closely with county associations and a wide range of national partners and stakeholders to strengthen support for parish and town councils and champion their role in building stronger communities.

We have appointed executive search firm McLean Public to support the recruitment of our next chief executive. The role will be advertised this month, followed by shortlisting and wider sector engagement in October. Final interviews are scheduled for early November. Jonathan will remain in post until March 2027, ensuring continuity while the recruitment and handover process takes place.

The new chief executive will help shape and oversee the implementation of our future strategy and ensure the organisation continues to support, promote and improve parish and town councils.

Jonathan Swain, managing partner at McLean Public, said, "NALC is a unique organisation, and we are looking for someone with a demonstrable track record of leading complex organisations through change, driving organisational and commercial growth, and building collaborative and productive relationships with NALC's diverse range of partners and stakeholders."

I want to thank Jonathan for his outstanding service over the last 12 years and the significant contribution he has made to NALC and the wider sector. With devolution and local government reorganisation gathering pace, new parish and town councils being established across the country, and growing recognition of the importance of neighbourhoods, place and community resilience, Jonathan leaves NALC and the sector with a strong platform for the future. We wish him every success in his retirement.

Cllr Iain Hamilton
NALC chair