Shokat Lal is Chief Executive of Sandwell Council, joining at a pivotal time when the organisation was subject to government intervention. His primary focus was leading the council’s improvement journey and securing its exit from government directions, with Sandwell becoming one of the fastest councils to achieve this outcome. With 37 years of senior leadership experience, Shokat has extensive expertise in organisational transformation, governance and service improvement. He currently serves as a Ministerial Envoy, supporting Tower Hamlets Council. Shokat was previously Executive Director at Barnsley Council overseeing a wide-ranging portfolio. Before this, he was Assistant Chief Executive at Rotherham Council, playing a key role in its successful recovery from intervention. A Chartered Companion of the CIPD, Shokat’s professional background is in Human Resources and Organisational Development. He has significant experience working within the voluntary sector and is recognised for his commitment to transformational leadership and public service excellence.