Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

RESOLVED

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 20 August 2018 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Chief Executive submitted a report seeking approval to recruit to the full time substantive post of Director Place and Communities as the current post holder’s interim contract was coming to an end on 31 July 2019.

The report contained details of the proposed recruitment process and the associated costs of the process. The job description and person specification were also attached as an appendix to the Chief Executive’s report. A revised job description that included minor drafting amendments was tabled at the meeting. It was noted that it was advisable that the recruitment process commenced as soon as possible and prior to the main summer holiday period in order to ensure that the strongest possible field of candidates were encouraged to apply.

Members of the Committee noted their thanks and appreciation to the Interim Director – Place and Communities, Carol Cooper-Smith, for the high level of performance, diligence and commitment she had shown while in the role.

RESOLVED

a)    that the proposed recruitment and selection process, as detailed in the officer’s report, for the post of Director Place and Communities be approved.

b)    that the Interim Director -  Place and Communities be offered a rolling one-month contract from 31 July 2019 to provide Director level cover until the substantive post is filled.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS

a)    The interim contract with the current post holder is coming to an end and it is timely and beneficial to test the market for a permanent full time post holder. The market will have refreshed from the previous recruitment in November 2017 and internal candidates who applied then have had time to develop. Similar recruitments in other authorities have been conducted and we are aware of more that are planned soon, this could affect this Councils ability to recruit to this role. It is also the case that recruitment prior to the main summer holiday period is advisable to ensure a stronger field. The timing of the recruitment will also allow for a strong alignment with the new Corporate Plan and the agenda of the new administration. 

b)    The current interim arrangement is coming to a conclusion and it will be critical to a large number of key service areas to have senior Director level leadership in place.