The former Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council has received the council’s highest honour.
Dr Huw Bowen DL, who served the authority for more than 20 years, with 18 years as Chief Executive, retired in May 2026, and has now had the Freedom of the Borough conferred upon him in recognition of his outstanding service to Chesterfield.
The honour was awarded at an extraordinary council meeting on Thursday 23 July.
Dr Huw Bowen DL, said: “Chesterfield Borough Council is a great council to work for, a council blessed with dedicated councillors and talented officers committed to working in harmony to improve the quality of people’s lives across the town and borough.
“It was a privilege to serve as the council’s Chief Executive for 18 years. For the council to see fit to confer the honour of freedom of this great Borough upon myself means everything to me and my family.
"I am truly humbled for my name to be added to the roll call of notable individuals, regiments and organisations that currently hold the status of Honorary Freemen of the Borough of Chesterfield.”
During his career Huw was instrumental in developing Chesterfield’s £2 billion growth programme and championing the importance of local people being able to benefit from the jobs and skills opportunities that such growth creates.
He reset the values of the council, delivered improvements across all service areas, including multi-million pound investments in sports and cultural facilities and introduced a demanding performance culture focused on results and success. Throughout his time as Chief Executive, he was also consistently proud of the dedication, professionalism and commitment of council staff, recognising their vital role in delivering services and improving outcomes for local communities.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of the Council, said: “Huw served the borough of Chesterfield with inspiring vision, determination and good humour for over 23 years, he has helped ensure that Chesterfield is a better place to live, work and visit.
“This honour recognises the outstanding contribution Huw has made to our borough and I hope it shows how grateful we are for the time he has dedicated to Chesterfield.”
The title ‘Honorary Freeman of the Borough’ is the highest ceremonial civic honour a local council can bestow upon an individual. The historic honour dates to medieval times, when ‘freemen’ were granted special rights such as the ability to trade, own property and take part in local governance but now it is a purely ceremonial title that is awarded for outstanding service to the borough.
Since 1885 less than 30 individuals have been awarded the title and Huw is the first person to be appointed an Honorary Freeman of the Borough since 2008.
