Keith Bridge was President of CIPFA in 1982/83.
Prior to commencing his professional career, Keith had to undertake a period of national service (in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps), and it was from there that he went directly to Corpus Christi College, Oxford and then into local government, where he had a distinguished local government career.
His career commenced in Chingford, then moved to West Ham, where he qualified. From there he went to Coventry and later to York as Deputy City Treasurer. He then moved to Bolton as Borough Treasurer and subsequently to Manchester as City Treasurer, the first non-staff member to hold this position. When the Greater Manchester County Council was established, he was appointed County Treasurer, and in 1980 he became Chief Executive of Humberside County Council with overall responsibility for about 37,000 staff. This was a time of considerable activity for Humberside, not least the opening of the Humber Bridge. In 1982 he left Humberside and joined a City stockbroking firm, Phillips & Drew, where he was appointed a director. He retired from there around 1990.
Keith was a well regarded person and he had a reputation for being very fair and honest. During his life, he had a wide range of interests and was particularly enthusiastic about scouting. He and members of his family also appeared on the BBC show ‘Ask the Family’. Keith was a committed Christian.
His high reputation led to him being appointed as an initial member of the Audit Commission, Chairman of the Education Assets Board and also Chairman of a successor body, the Education Assets Council. He was awarded a CBE for services to education. Keith was also a member of The Football Licensing Authority, which was established in 1990 under the Football Spectators Act 1989 to ensure the implementation of the government’s policy on the safety and comfort of spectators at grounds hosting designated football matches following the Hillsborough disaster.
As an individual, Keith undoubtedly had a very keen intellect. He combined this with a principled commitment to the highest professional standards, which he expected others to follow. Like his predecessor at Manchester, Sir Harry Page, those working for him and with him could learn a very great deal from his example.
Kind words from other past Presidents
Keith’s passing brings back memories of the time we served together on the Institute Council. This was during the era dominated by Margaret Thatcher, which brought radical challenges to the provision of services for the public. He always treated me with great kindness and patience. It was a privilege to watch him in action and learn from his integrity, strength of character and contribution to advancing the Institute’s objectives.
—Mike Weaver, Past President (2000/01)
Although I did not know Keith well personally, his tenure as President preceding my involvement, he was ever-present in supporting CIPFA students in Yorkshire and the North East, and I can recall his powerful intellect and engaging nature when speaking to us.
—Chris Bilsland OBE, Past President (2011/12)
I’m particularly saddened to hear of Keith’s passing, as he was the President who, after hearing him speak while I was a young CIPFA member, inspired me to begin my “career” of volunteering for the Institute and to aspire to be President myself.
—Mike Owen, Past President (2014/15)
The Institute has lost a distinguished member.
Noel Hepworth OBE