Kersten England

Kersten is Chief Executive of Bradford Council with responsibility for over 17,000 staff and a multi-million pound budget across one of the largest local authorities in the country. Her main challenge is to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth and in particular to strengthen the skills base of the District.

Kersten is the lead Chief Executive for innovation and growth in the Leeds City Region. In addition she is a member of a number of Boards in and beyond the City including – Bradford Economic Partnership, University of Bradford Council, Science Media Museum, Bradford Literature Festival and the Digital Health Enterprise Zone. She is a lay Canon of Bradford Cathedral.

Kersten’s career has included work in the voluntary sector, higher education, central government as well as 26 years in local government. She is passionate about building resilient and confident communities, supporting local democracy and sustainable urban growth.

Despite the Edinburgh accent she regards herself as a bona fide Bradfordian, having lived and worked here for most of her adult life as well as bringing up her children in the city.