Staff
The Horley Town Council Office provides administrative support to the Town Council. There is a team of five Town Council Officers, headed by the Chief Executive Officer, Joan Walsh. If you wish to contact any member of the team, you can phone us on 01293 784765 or email using the appropriate email address below. Alternatively, click on CONTACT at the top of the page.
Joan Walsh - Chief Executive Officer
Joan states that “it is a role I very much enjoy due to the ongoing support from the Councillors and excellent team spirit approach with my colleagues. I gain much job satisfaction in not only helping out the public where possible, but also being involved in a wide variety of community-focused projects for the benefit of Horley. I started on my career path as a legal secretary at a number of London-based firms, and then as a PA at a local actuarial consultancy group. When I returned to work after having my four children, I worked as a duty supervisor for a private medical and assistance services provider, during which time, I completed a diploma in Call Centre Team Management. Before joining the Town Council, I was employed as a Call Agent for the National Crimestoppers Bureau and as a Customer Service Agent for Surrey Police".
Joan achieved the Certificate in Local Council Administration qualification (CiLCA) in May 2018. She is the recipient of the 2023 Annual Award for Best Magazine Article from the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC), for her case study highlighting the Council’s successful Café Pavilion capital project and much valued community asset in Horley.
Email: joan.walsh@horleysurrey-tc.gov.uk
Rachel Botcherby - Estates, Assets and Contracts Manager
Rachel joined Horley Town Council in 2026 as Estates, Assets and Contracts Manager and is a member of the Council’s Senior Management Team. She is responsible for overseeing the Council’s estates, assets and contracts, supporting Members and colleagues in the effective management of the Council’s property and facilities. Rachel is a Chartered Town Planner and a Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute, with a career spanning local government, planning consultancy and the charitable sector, including a role as planning adviser to the National Trust.
Rachel previously worked for Horley Town Council from 2021 until February 2024 as Planning Officer. She then took a career break to focus on her family before spending six months working as a planning consultant in London. Returning to the Council in 2026, Rachel brings her previous experience of Horley together with her wider professional experience in planning, property and development.
Having lived in Horley for many years, Rachel is passionate about the town and its future. She particularly enjoys being involved in projects that improve local facilities, make the best use of the Council’s assets and deliver long-term benefits for residents. "After a few years away, it’s great to be back working in the town I call home and helping to shape its future".
email: rachel.botcherby@horleysurrey-tc.gov.uk
Helen Maan - Leisure and Facilities Officer
.jpg)
Helen joined Horley Town Council in 2018 after nearly 14 years at Reigate & Banstead Borough Council. "I began my working life with British Airways at Heathrow after completing my degree in Geography so I have a bit of a fondness for maps and far-flung places."
"I like dealing with people and have spent most of my working career in a customer services environment. My role here gives me to chance to meet people from all walks of life. In addition to helping people, I am also responsible for overseeing communications, compliance and leisure activities. I've lived in Horley with my young family for quite a few years, but until working here, I didn't realise the massive amount of clubs, events and activities that are available to the people of Horley. I'm hoping that as a Council we can 'get the word out' to all members of the community about what's on locally. As a Council, we own and maintain quite a few leisure sites across the town; it's my role to ensure they are looked after and manage their use."
Helen achieved the Introduction to Local Council Administration qualification (ILCA) in September 2024.
email: helen.maan@horleysurrey-tc.gov.uk
Sophie Mandak - Communications and IT Officer
Sophie joined Horley Town Council in 2022 as an Administrative Assistant, becoming Administrative Officer in 2024. In 2026, she took on the role of Communications and IT Officer. She supports the CEO and officer team in delivering the Council’s services. Her role involves a wide range of responsibilities, including committee administration, communications, allotment management, lettings, supporting financial administration, event coordination, and responding to public enquiries, helping to ensure the effective running of the Council.
Sophie just completed college before joining the Council, where she studied Information Technology and Photography, achieving her A Levels and BTECs in 2022. She was keen to find a role within the local council where she could learn more about the community and make a positive contribution locally.
Sophie achieved the Introduction to Local Council Administration qualification (ILCA) in December 2025.
email: sophie.mandak@horleysurrey-tc.gov.uk
Joanna Stay - Planning Officer and PA Support
Joanna joined Horley Town Council in April 2024 as Administrator (Planning Support) and progressed to Planning Officer and PA Support . As well as assisting the Chief Executive Officer with all planning-related matters, Joanna also supports various other committees and helps the Councillors and the team with general administration.
She has previous public sector experience, having worked for CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) for 15 years. As well as many years of administration experience gained in public finance, executive recruitment, publishing and digital marketing, she is also AAT part-qualified.
“I am very impressed with how much Horley has to offer its residents as a town and how the Council supports it. I feel privileged to be part of a great team, helping and supporting the local community.”
Joanna achieved the Introduction to Local Council Administration qualification (ILCA) in March 2025.
email: Joanna.stay@horleysurrey-tc.gov.uk
