Staffing changes always bring a time for reflection and none more so than when it happens at the top of an organisation. NEREO is delighted to announce an exciting leadership transition that marks both the end of an exceptional era and the beginning of an inspiring new chapter.
On 31 March 2026, we will bid a fond farewell to our Director, Mick Brodie, who steps down after an incredible 30 years of dedicated service to the organisation. Over three decades, Mick has guided NEREO with characteristic calm and commitment, navigating political changes, sector challenges, and even a global pandemic. His leadership has ensured NEREO remains a trusted and in-demand presence across the North East, the wider UK, and beyond.
While Mick’s departure is framed with pride and gratitude, it also signals a bright future for NEREO as two familiar faces step up to lead. From 1 April 2026, Stephen McCurry and David Leask—each with over 15 years’ experience within the organisation—will take on newly established joint Director roles, bringing with them a wealth of expertise, innovation, and shared purpose.
As Director of Digital Services, Stephen will continue to drive the success of North East Jobs, our award-winning public sector recruitment platform, while leading on digital transformation, marketing, finance and service development. His work has saved local authorities millions in advertising costs and delivered national recognition through pioneering campaigns such as Make a Difference.
Meanwhile, David Leask, as Director of Employer Services, will represent NEREO in key areas of workforce collaboration and union engagement. His leadership will continue to strengthen NEREO’s support for member authorities through high-quality HR consultancy, workforce development, and organisational transformation.
Together, Stephen and David will build on Mick’s enduring legacy—championing innovation, collaboration, and value for our members, while keeping NEREO firmly at the heart of public sector progress in the North East.
We wish Mick every happiness in his future adventures and warmly welcome Stephen and David as they lead NEREO into this next exciting chapter.
Quotes
Stephen McCurry, “It is a great privilege to have the opportunity to help lead NEREO into a new era. Working alongside David we will craft an organisation that builds upon the ambition, opportunity and legacy that Mick leaves us as he steps down from the helm of NEREO. Micks guidance and management over the 15 years in which I have worked for NEREO has been fantastic and has helped develop our digital services into a unique and class leading set of products. To have been trusted to help continue the development and growth of the organisation is both an affirmation and an honour which we will not take lightly. The future is one of positive growth and unique, challenging opportunity which I am eager to get to grips with.”
David Leask, “It’s an honour to step into this role alongside Stephen as we guide NEREO into its next chapter. Mick’s leadership has set a standard of integrity, collaboration, and innovation that we are committed to building upon. Our focus will be on strengthening partnerships, supporting our members, and ensuring NEREO continues to be a trusted and progressive voice for public sector employers. The future is full of opportunity, and we’re ready to embrace it together.”
Departing Director Mick Brodie had the following words, “I’m not one for long farewells, however, I do want to place on record how privileged and honoured I feel to have lead NEREO as it’s Director since April 1995.
In that time I believe we have created the strongest bonds and working relationships between leaders of HR in the North East Councils which other regions observe with envy.
Every single success that NEREO has achieved has been a result of the tremendous hard work and commitment of fellow NEREO employees over 3 decades and it is with enormous pride that my role will be taken forward by two longstanding, incredibly professional senior managers at NEREO.
I’m not going to wish them luck as they won’t need that. The organisation is in very safe hands!
I’d like to take this opportunity to comment upon the role that elected members have played in the evolution and success of NEREO.
Over my 30 years they have provided incredible support to the organisation and myself for which I will be forever grateful. They have been brave, they have shared my vision and given licence to experiment.
I’ve lead the organisation under the Chairmanship of a number of Councillors and whilst it’s difficult to single one out in particular, my wholehearted gratitude must go to Councillor Ann McCoy from Stockton.
For me, Ann epitomises everything that is good about local democracy as it’s always been abundantly clear that her entire focus and reason for being an elected politician has been her desire to serve and represent the people who have elected her. Not for her self interest or personal ambition!
This now feels like a long farewell so I’ll end here and wish NEREO, it’s member organisations and public services generally, best wishes for any challenges the future brings.”
NEREO Chair, Cllr Ann McCoy, “It has been a real privilege to know and work with Mick during his long association with NEREO and Local Government.
Under Mick’s leadership, dedication, commitment and determination to enhance and improve the services NEREO provides, has helped the members in their Local Authorities to maintain the best services they can for the people they represent and also those who work in Local Government.
Our Region is stronger because of the positive relationship and respect Mick has maintained with our Trade Union colleagues.
His outstanding contribution to NEREO, which has made it so successful, has raised the reputation nationally not just of NEREO but of our Region and given our Region a voice which has ensured the views of our Region are listened to and respected.
Mick will be a hard act to follow but he leaves NEREO in an extraordinarily strong position, and I am confident that Stephen and David will continue Mick’s work and take NEREO in some exciting new directions.
I would like to thank Mick for all the support he has given me as Chair which has been invaluable.
I know I can speak for all the Vice Chairs and members of NEREO and thank him for his commitment and contribution to Local Government.
We all wish him well in everything he does in the future.”