About the Chief Executive

Gillian's background

Gillian started her career as a graduate trainee at the Greater London Council and after a number of promotions became Assistant to the Director General. In 1985 on the demise of the GLC she moved to Woking Borough Council with responsibilities for policy, performance and human resources. In 1994 she was appointed Chief Executive of Wokingham Borough Council, initially as a district then unitary authority.

Remuneration

Salary is set by the Council. The current range is £166,994 to £176,214 and Mrs Norton is paid £176,214. Progress through the range is subject to annual performance appraisal; progression is dependent upon good performance.

She receives no other payments, including no other payments for any of the elections for which she is Returning Officer or Acting Returning Officer.

In the last financial year (2010/11) her expenses (for train, car mileage and parking) were £216. Expenses are paid only for costs incurred and evidence of expenditure is required.

Mrs Norton is a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). She contributes 7.5% of salary towards her pension. The Council makes employer’s contribution to the LGPS. The amount which is paid varies depending upon how much is needed to ensure benefits under the scheme are adequately funded; this amount is set independently by the pension fund’s actuary.

The LGPS is a final salary scheme. This means staff receive a pension based on the period of time they have contributed to the scheme and their final salary.

Working arrangements

The Chief Executive is expected to work such hours as are necessary to ensure the job gets done. This routinely involves evenings as well as the standard Monday to Friday business week

Occasional weekend working is required. The Chief Executive is 'on call' at all other times, particularly to cover emergency planning requirements.

No extra payments are made for such extended hours.

The Chief Executive is entitled to 35 days paid leave each year