18th August 2026
The Staff College has appointed Denise McGuckin as its new Chair, succeeding Lucy Butler, who is stepping down from the Board after seven years as Chair.
Denise brings more than 30 years’ experience in local government and public-sector leadership. She has held senior executive roles including Chief Executive of Hartlepool Borough Council, Director of Place and Assistant Director for Regeneration and Neighbourhoods.
She has also provided regional system leadership as Lead CEO for Adult Services across twelve North East local authorities and as the LGA Lead CEO for the Tees Valley.
Throughout her career, Denise has championed partnership working, cross-system collaboration and the development of confident, capable leaders. She is passionate about strengthening leadership and improving practice to support better outcomes for children, young people, families and adults.
Commenting on Denise’s appointment, Jane Parfrement, Chief Executive of The Staff College, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Denise McGuckin as Chair of The Staff College. Her extensive leadership experience across local government, her commitment to collaboration and learning, and her passion for developing confident leaders make her an excellent fit for the role. We are excited to have Denise lead the Board as The Staff College enters its next chapter.
I would also like to thank Lucy Butler for her outstanding leadership as Chair over the past seven years. Lucy has made a significant contribution to The Staff College and to our work supporting leaders across public services. We are enormously grateful for her commitment, expertise and passion, and wish her every success for the future.”
Lucy Butler, outgoing Chair, said:
“It has been a privilege to Chair The Staff College for the past seven years. I have greatly valued the opportunity to work with colleagues across the organisation and to support its important work developing strong leadership across children’s services and the wider public-serving sector. I am very proud of what we have achieved together and of the contribution The Staff College continues to make to the sector.
As I step down from the Board, I am delighted to see Denise take on the role of Chair. She brings considerable experience and a strong commitment to developing leadership, and I know she will bring fresh energy and perspective to the role. I wish Denise and the whole Staff College team every success in the years ahead.”
About Denise McGuckin
Denise McGuckin is a highly experienced public-sector leader with more than 30 years’ service across local government in the North East. She has led complex organisations through significant change, with a focus on learning, collaboration and public value.
Denise holds a Master’s in Public Management and a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Technology. She brings extensive governance, strategic leadership and system leadership experience to her role as Chair of The Staff College.