Former council chief executive becomes independent member of standards watchdog

A former chief executive of Staffordshire County Council has been appointed as Independent Member to the Committee on Standards in Public Life.

John Henderson began the role this week (26 February) at the independent advisory public body that advises on arrangements for upholding ethical standards of conduct across public life in England.

Henderson was the Chief Executive at Staffordshire for more than eight years.  

Prior to this, he served for 33 years in the British Army, starting as a mechanical engineer on Chieftain tanks, and finishing as the General Officer Commanding British Forces Germany. During his time in the Army he led soldiers on operations in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. 

This appointment was made by the Prime Minister, and follows a recent open campaign for the vacancy, which has a five year term.