DEBBIE PORTER
London
Summary
Senior public service leader with more than 30 years' experience, including over a decade a board level. I have led large, complex services and advised senior political and executive leaders through significant change, financial pressure and public scrutiny. My experience spans strategic oversight, governance, risk, organisational transformation and partnership working across local and central government, health, policing and the voluntary sector. I bring sound judgement, constructive challenge and a strong understanding of how organisations serve the public.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Strategic Director, Neighbourhoods and Environment
London Borough of Waltham Forest
03.2023 - 09.2026
- Member of the Corporate Leadership Team with responsibility for newly established directorate of around 400 staff and strategic oversight of services with a gross budget of c£100m and income of £60m.
- Delivering corporate leadership at Council level, supporting and advising Chief Executive and championing staff development and leadership across the organisation.
- Advised political leadership on translating priorities, fostering constructive yet challenging relationships with partner and anchor organisations including police, fire, NHS, businesses, and voluntary sector.
- Delivered c£6m of savings over the last 3 years with further £5m identified for the next three years through financial planning and service redesign.
- Led improvement across services, including raising recyling from 32% to 39%, reducing complaints by 15% and improving customer satisfaction.
- Led organisational change and supported the council through a change of political administration.
Corporate Director, Communications and Strategy
London Borough of Waltham Forest
06.2022 - 03.2023
- Leading development of place-based and climate strategies working with residents, staff and members to create a locally focused response to interconnected challenges.
- Collaborated with Chief Executive and political leadership to establish strategic priorities and governance arrangements post-election.
- Identified and managed reputational and organisational risks to safeguard organisational integrity.
Director, Communications and Campaigns
London Borough of Waltham Forest
06.2020 - 06.2022
- Delivered major campaigns promoting economic recovery while garnering support for Whipps’ Cross Hospital redevelopment.
- Drove data-driven communications, aligning messaging with strategic outcomes and audience insights.
- Led Communications and Campaigns Directorate during Covid, enhancing resilience and adaptability in response to challenges.
Deputy Director, Strategic Communications
Home Office
01.2008 - 01.2020
- Leading key communications interventions including advising No 10 and PM advisors on recruiting 20,000 Police Officers; implications of EU exit to EU citizens in UK; reducing hostile attacks at the border.
- Advising Home Secretary, Ministers and Senior Officials on communications, reputation and engagement.
- Leading communications responses to major incidents and crises.
- Leading staff engagement to deliver large scale transformation programme integrating three government departments with distinct cultures into UK Border Agency.
- Managed a budget of £22m, focusing on innovation, value for money, and demonstrable return on investment.
Head of Policy Communications
Department for International Development
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Developed critical relationships with internal and external partners including the United Nations, other national governments, multilateral agencies, and the private sector.
Internal Communications Advisor, HR
Home Office
01.2002 - 01.2006
- Advised Group HR Director and Board on strategic initiatives to align HR objectives with organisational goals.
- Developed and implemented strategies for HR interventions, enhancing engagement among 20,000 staff.
Internal Communications and Events Manager
Mencap
01.2000 - 01.2002
Marketing and Events Manager
Demos
01.1996 - 01.2000
Education
Diploma - Executive Coaching for Organisational Consultants
Ashridge Business School (Hult)
Diploma - Psychotherapeutic Counselling
Metanoia Institute
Diploma - Strategic Public Relations Leadership
University of Huddersfield
BA (Hons) - English Literature
University of Birmingham
Skills
- Board and corporate leadership
- Strategy, culture and organisational transformation
- Governance, risk and assurance
- Financial oversight
- Political and stakeholder management
- Communications and reputation management
- Crisis leadership
- Coaching and leadership development
Timeline
Strategic Director, Neighbourhoods and Environment
London Borough of Waltham Forest
03.2023 - 09.2026
Corporate Director, Communications and Strategy
London Borough of Waltham Forest
06.2022 - 03.2023
Director, Communications and Campaigns
London Borough of Waltham Forest
06.2020 - 06.2022
Deputy Director, Strategic Communications
Home Office
01.2008 - 01.2020
Head of Policy Communications
Department for International Development
01.2006 - 01.2008
Internal Communications Advisor, HR
Home Office
01.2002 - 01.2006
Internal Communications and Events Manager
Mencap
01.2000 - 01.2002
Marketing and Events Manager
Demos
01.1996 - 01.2000
Diploma - Executive Coaching for Organisational Consultants
Ashridge Business School (Hult)
Diploma - Psychotherapeutic Counselling
Metanoia Institute
Diploma - Strategic Public Relations Leadership
University of Huddersfield
BA (Hons) - English Literature
University of Birmingham