London's Town Clerk: Embracing Heritage While Shaping the City's Future
In an exclusive interview, Ian Thomas CBE, the Town Clerk and chief executive of the City of London Corporation, offers a fascinating insight into one of the UK's most ancient civic roles. At 56, Thomas brings a wealth of public service experience to a position that dates back over 750 years, yet remains crucially relevant to modern London.
From Sheffield to the Square Mile: A Public Service Journey
Born in Sheffield and educated at Newfield comprehensive school, Thomas's career began humbly with a paper round at 11 and bakery work at 15. His first proper role came at barely 17, training as an accountancy assistant for the NSPCC in Farringdon. "My Jamaican parents had a very strong work ethic," he recalls, explaining how this foundation led to finance roles in Newham and Tower Hamlets before his current prestigious appointment.
Thomas's path to public service emerged after a footballing dream ended through injury. "Combining a head for figures with work in protecting vulnerable children was gratifying for me," he explains. This evolved into a passion for collaborative innovation across housing, social care, education, community safety, and health services.
The Ancient Role with Modern Responsibilities
As the 51st Town Clerk, Thomas leads over 4,700 colleagues as head of paid service for the City Corporation. "Principally I am the City Corporation's head of paid service," he states, "stewarding one of the UK's most historic civic institutions." He serves as principal adviser to 100 common councillors and 25 aldermen, working alongside what he describes as a "very talented team."
The role's modern responsibilities span:
- Governance and public services
- Culture and heritage management
- Asset and infrastructure oversight
- Economic security and climate action
- Promoting UK financial services
Under Lady Mayor Dame Susan Langley and policy chairman Chris Hayward, the Corporation plays a key role in supporting financial services that contribute £110bn annually in tax.
Embracing the Historic Wardrobe
When asked about the ceremonial wardrobe, Thomas responds unequivocally: "In a word, yes. I respect it hugely." He sees the wigs, gowns, court dress, and even the tights as connecting today's officials to centuries of civic tradition. "They remind us that we're custodians of something much bigger than ourselves," he reflects, highlighting how these elements link to the City's judicial heritage.
The City's Unique Character and Future Vision
What Thomas loves most about the Square Mile is its remarkable contrast. "Nowhere blends medieval streets, financial innovation, world-leading culture and green spaces so seamlessly," he observes. He describes moving between Sir Christopher Wren's St Paul's Cathedral and Karen Cook's Horizon 22 skyscraper, or from Roman remains to global banking headquarters within minutes.
For improvement, Thomas wants to "un-square the square mile" – making the City more welcoming at all hours. Through the 'Destination City' initiative and cultural heritage ambitions, he aims to increase vibrancy, cultural activity, and reasons for people to linger. This builds on recent success achieving over £100bn in GDP for the first time.
Career Highlights and Personal Insights
Thomas counts receiving his CBE in 2019 for services to local government and children's services as particularly meaningful, though he credits the "brilliant teams" he led in Derbyshire and Rotherham. His appointment as Town Clerk three years ago represents "the honour of my career."
The best career advice he received came from Dr. Owen Williams: "Ian, focus on delivery and everything else will fall into place." He also values guidance to obtain a master's degree and seek mentors. Less helpful was advice to "dress down a bit to get the job" – which he ignored.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
Despite numerous challenges, Thomas remains absolutely optimistic about the year ahead. "The City remains one of the world's most dynamic places to work," he asserts, with the Destination City initiative gaining momentum to create a more vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready environment.
Beyond the Square Mile, the Corporation's extensive reach offers equally exciting prospects. Thomas looks forward to working with members, partners, business communities, livery companies, his teams, and residents on delivering the Corporate Plan and People Strategy.
Personal Preferences and Private Life
When pressed about favorite lunch spots or after-work drinks, Thomas diplomatically avoids specifics, noting that "navigating politics is key to my role." He lives locally during the week – close enough for City commitments but private enough for family life. Weekends often find him in the City, though as a "proud northern man" he regularly returns to Sheffield.
For well-deserved time off, he plans family holidays to Jamaica, maintaining connection with his heritage while recharging for the challenges of leading one of London's most historic institutions into an increasingly vibrant future.
