OBE for dedication to public service
Council deputy chief given New Year honour
A TOP public servant has been given an OBE in the New Year Honours.
Jean Palmer, deputy chief executive of Hillingdon Council, has been honoured for her services to the community in Hillingdon.
She has worked in local government for 40 years and has spent almost 14 years at the Civic Centre in Uxbridge High Street.
Her achievements include leading the council’s Business Improvement Delivery programme, which the council says has played an ‘integral part in achieving sound financial management’.
She has also been responsible for the refurbishment or rebuild of each of the borough’s 17 libraries, the only project of its kind in the country.
Other achievements include driving forward a £150million school expansion programme, the largest of its kind in London.
Council leader, Ray Puddifoot, himself an MBE, said: “I have been leader of Hillingdon Council for 14 years and during that time I have not come across such a dedicated, talented and hardworking officer as Jean Palmer, in this or any other London borough.
“She is an outstanding public service employee who I believe is worthy of recognition for her remarkable dedication and service to the people of this borough.”
During her time at the council, Ms Palmer has also been responsible for the delivery of two new sports centres, one of which houses the first 50m swimming pool to be built in London for more than 40 years.
She has also driven through environmental improvements that have seen Hillingdon achieve more Green Flags than any other local authority in the country for two years running.
She said: “It’s an honour to receive this award, which recognises the contribution made by all officers at the council, who work tirelessly on behalf of our residents.
“The award celebrates all the achievements of the borough and affirms our commitment to delivering first class services to our residents.”