Pam Smith
Chief Executive, Newcastle City Council and president-elect of SolacePam joined Newcastle City Council as Chief Executive in January 2022 having been Chief Executive at Stockport Council since 2017 where she was also Greater Manchester’s Lead Chief Executive for ‘Age Friendly Greater Manchester’, and she continues to be the Solace lead spokesperson for Housing.
Pam was previously Chief Executive at Burnley Council and has also worked for the Audit Commission.
Pam joins Newcastle City Council at a time of great change and opportunity as the city seeks to emerge strongly from the pandemic. Pam is passionate about people, communities and neighbourhoods and is eager to work with residents and colleagues from across the region to achieve the best outcomes for the people of Newcastle; leveraging the opportunities that levelling up and devolution offer to secure outstanding schools, excellent jobs and high-quality homes to make Newcastle one of the best places in the world to grow up, work and live.
My Speaker Sessions
Thursday 26 November 2026
Delivering growth in every postcode
Growth is the Government’s defining mission, but for many communities across the North the benefits of investment have yet to reach their high streets, estates and town centres. As strategic authorities draw up local growth plans and councils prepare for reorganisation, the question is no longer just how to drive growth, but how to make sure it is felt everywhere, not only in city centres and investment zones.
This session will explore how councils and combined authorities can connect places that have been left behind to the opportunities on their doorstep, from skills and transport to housing and regeneration. Speakers will share practical lessons on working across boundaries, getting the most from devolved funding, and measuring success in ways that matter to residents.
