Stannard is a UK local government professional and chief executive of Salford City Council. From 2018-2021 he was Wakefield Council’s corporate director of regeneration and economic growth, a key member of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in one of the fastest-growing economies within the Leeds City Region. His previous roles include director of economy and skills at Oldham Council, and deputy chief executive of the UK Learning and Work Institute. He has also held senior leadership roles in Blackburn with Darwen (Lancashire), the London Borough of Hounslow, and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea councils.