Staffing
The Town Clerk heads up the council’s small team of staff.
You can make contact by email or using our online form.
Iona Taylor
Town Clerk
Iona was recruited in early 2025 as an experienced local council clerk to set up the new Town Council and looks forward to serving the council and Harrogate community as the council continues to establish itself in the town.
The Town Clerk is the Council’s Chief Officer, ensuring the lawful and effective operation of the Council, the sound management of its finances and services and the proper support of elected Members in serving the community.
Paul Forster
Events & Culture Lead
Paul has over 25 years’ experience delivering events, cultural programmes and community projects across the public, heritage and voluntary sectors. Having lived in Harrogate for more than a decade, he has a strong connection to the town and is the creator of the award-winning Harrogate Ghost Walk and author of Haunted Harrogate. He brings extensive experience of working with local authorities, community organisations and cultural partners to create events and activities that celebrate local identity and bring communities together.
As Events & Culture Lead, Paul is responsible for developing and delivering the Council’s civic, community and cultural events programme, working with the council’s Culture, Events & Heritage Committee, residents, partners and organisations to create inclusive events that reflect Harrogate’s unique character and civic identity.
Victoria Chan
Project Manager
Victoria joins Harrogate Town Council as Project Manager, bringing over 15 years’ experience at a major UK bank, where she led complex projects, developed mentoring programmes and championed inclusive leadership. She is also active in the community as a co-founder of Women in Tech Power Network and a volunteer supporting young people through STEM initiatives.
Inspired by her nieces, Victoria is committed to helping create a more inclusive future and enjoys seeing what people can achieve when they work together. She looks forward to working with residents, councillors, businesses and community organisations to help deliver positive outcomes for Harrogate.
Emma Preston
Administration Officer
Emma is a lifelong Harrogate resident with over two decades of experience in administrative roles.
With a proven track record in organisation, communication and office support Emma helps the Council run smoothly both behind the scenes and as your first point of contact.
Keith Akerman
Civic Assistant
Keith moved to Harrogate in 1984 having secured a job as a precision engineer in the town. Since retiring he has been able to indulge his passion for cars and motorbikes. He brings previous experience from North Yorkshire County Council when he acted as the Mayor’s Chauffeur.
Keith has a flexible, part-time role with Harrogate Town Council providing an extra pair of hands when needed and fulfilling the important ceremonial role of ‘Macebearer’ at civic occasions such as Remembrance Sunday.
Fiona Vicary
Neighbourhood Plan Project Administrator
Fiona has joined the team on a part-time, self-employed basis to provide administrative support for the development of the Harrogate Neighbourhood Plan.
Fiona is a qualified, experienced Parish Clerk and has supported other Yorkshire council’s developing Neighbourhood Plans. If you have any questions about the Plan, please contact Fiona using the dedicated email address. ndp@harrogatetowncouncil.gov.uk