Manchester City Council appoints policy director

Manchester City Council has appointed Sarah Broad as its new director of policy, performance and reform, following a competitive recruitment process.

Sarah will lead efforts to improve service quality and efficiency, drive culture change and promote innovation across the city. 

She will embed a data-driven approach to decision-making and support delivery of the Our Manchester strategy, shaping key policy initiatives to address local challenges.

Bringing nearly 20 years of local government and public sector experience, Sarah previously served as deputy director of adult social services at Manchester City Council. 

She has also held roles in reform and innovation, partnership development and advisory positions in the UK and New Zealand.

Sarah said: “I have spent a large part of my career in Manchester and the wider region and I am passionate about delivering for the people of this city. 

“Manchester is brimming with confidence and I look forward to supporting the city’s ongoing success – while also tackling head on some of the key challenges facing our residents.”

Sarah will work closely with the city’s leadership and strategic partners across Manchester, Greater Manchester and nationally.

Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, added: “It’s an exciting time for Manchester and this role is highly influential in the direction of travel and vision of our city. 

“We want Manchester to be a place where all our residents can be supported to share in our success – and at a time when we are seeing huge confidence in Manchester and significant growth, this position will play an important role in the city’s future.”

Tom Stannard, chief executive of Manchester City Council, added: “I look forward to working closely with Sarah in the coming months and years with a shared vision to make sure our residents have what they need to succeed in the future, supported by great services and ambitious programmes.

“Sarah will play a pivotal role in delivering the Our Manchester strategy – the city’s long-term vision – over the next decade. 

“Here work will focus on key policy and strategic initiatives aimed at tackling the challenges facing residents, including reducing inequalities, narrowing the economic and skills gap and creating a fairer city where all Manchester people can thrive. 

“This will also include prioritising the development of a public service reform programme for the next decade, building on the Council’s long-standing commitment to early intervention, prevention and integrated services.”

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