Published: Wednesday, 12th November 2025
The Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk is set to consider a recommendation to appoint Emma Hodds to the position of Chief of Staff, following a competitive interview process.
Currently the Chief of Staff at Broadland and South Norfolk District Councils, Emma is recommended by West Norfolk’s Appointments Board to fulfil this senior strategic role. The appointment is subject to final ratification by Full Council on 27 November.
Subject to that appointment, Emma will contribute to the strategic direction of the council as part of the Executive Team and would be responsible for governance and Monitoring Officer duties, ensuring the organisation remains compliant and forward-focused. She would directly oversee Legal Services, Civic, Licensing, Procurement, Democratic Services, Electoral Services and Corporate Governance.
Cllr Alistair Beales, Council Leader at West Norfolk, who took part in the interview process, said: “Emma is an impressive candidate, bringing a wealth of skills and experience in senior leadership, local government law, governance and internal audit.
“She played a key role in helping to bring together services across Broadland and South Norfolk in 2020, experience that is particularly relevant in the context of Local Government Reorganisation. We look forward to her joining West Norfolk in the coming months, subject to the Full Council meeting.”
Emma said: “I am thrilled to be recommended to join the strategic leadership team. I am passionate about positive transformation and upholding the highest standards of governance and look forward to joining the borough shortly.”
Commenting on the recommendation to Full Council, Trevor Holden, Managing Director at Broadland District Council and South Norfolk Council, said: “Emma is an outstanding and accomplished individual, whilst we are sad to see her go, we are not surprised to see her make the next move in her career and wish her every success.”