Published Thursday 28 October 2021 at 10:07
Paul Fleming, Strategic Director of Resources at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has topped a list that celebrates technology and business leaders driving change at their organisations.
Paul was ranked number 1 out of 100 chief information officers and became the 2021 overall winner putting Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council firmly in the spotlight.
The CIO 100 recognises the most transformational and disruptive Chief Information Officers from the UK, (a CIO is the most senior technology executive in an organisation) and showcases the achievements of those 100 executives and their teams.
The competition was tough with CIOs from all over the country applying. Organisations in the top 100 included: Virgin Atlantic, Bupa, St. James’s Place, Aston Martin Lagonda, AXA, Britvic, TalkTalk, HSBC, Boohoo, British Heart Foundation, Boots, British Army and Tate and Lyle.
Paul was recognised for the way in which he led the council’s digital response to the COVID-19 pandemic, pioneered a local track-and-trace platform and drove change through completion of the Council’s digital strategy.
The Council’s new data platform providing real-time intelligence, while a re-designed website and a raft of other technology improvements ensuring the council could still serve citizens and support remote employees was also highlighted.
Paul said:
I’m proud of this award that represents the great team we have here in Blackburn with Darwen, who have used technology and new approaches to support people, businesses and the council throughout such a difficult period for everyone. I started my tech career on an IT help desk and worked my way up, I hope that this award helps to inspire the next generation, young people, students, apprentices and those beginning their own careers in digital and technology.
Chief Executive of the Council Denise Park said:
I am absolutely delighted that Paul has been recognised by the CIO 100 for the pioneering work that he does and has especially done this past year by leading the council’s digital response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To beat such tough competition from other great organisations and achieve the number one spot is a great coup for Paul and his team and of course for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.
To learn more the CIO 100 about visit:
https://www.cio.com/uk/awards/
See Paul’s profile here:
https://www.cio.com/uk/cio/detail/106/451764/1