Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chairman for the meeting.

It was proposed by Cllr G Taylor seconded by Cllr L Miller that Cllr P Wharf be elected the Chairman for the meeting.  There were no other nominations and Cllr Wharf took the Chair.

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

To disclose any pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interests as set out in the adopted Code of Conduct. In making their decision councillors are asked to state the agenda item, the nature of the interest and any action they propose to take as part of their declaration.

If required, further advice should be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests were made at the meeting.

To consider a report of the HR Business Partner (Adults and Public Health).

The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health set out a report to consider internal appointments to the posts of Executive Director - People (Adults & Housing) and Corporate Director, Adult Care. She advised that the appointments would give stability and continuity to the service.

The Committee was asked to support the continuation of the appointment of Vivienne Broadhurst as Acting Executive Director - People with a fixed term contract for a period of 24 months (with some flexibility both ways).

Members were further advised that Vivienne Broadhurst was appointed to the position of interim Corporate Director, Adult Care on 5 August 2019. As this was her substantive post, an extension of this position was recommended for the same period.

The Portfolio Holder reported that an interview panel had met on 12 August 2021 and it recommended the appointment of Steve Veevers to the position of Corporate Director of Adult Care for a period of up to 24 months with some mutual flexibility.

Prior to debate, the Chairman set out a minor amended to 1.3 of the report and confirmed that Matt Prosser, Chief Executive was also present and took part in the interview panel on 12 August 2021.

In response to questions around the fixed period of 24-month appointments, the Chief Executive clarified that this related to some personal choice and was associated with Vivienne’s substantive post.  He further confirmed that Steve Veevers was content to accept a 24-month appointment and that these fixed term appointments could be changed or extended in the future.

It was proposed by Cllr G Taylor seconded by Cllr L Miller that the appointments be excepted as set out in the report. Upon being put to the vote the “minded to” proposal was carried.

The Chief Executive advised that due to the pandemic, Dorset Council was continuing with virtual meetings and having listened to the committee, he would exercise his delegated powers to decide on this matter as set out below.

Delegated decision of the Chief Executive

(a)       That the extension of Vivienne Broadhurst's fixed term contract for a further period of up to 24 months, with some mutual flexibility, be approved. 

This request relates to her substantive role of Corporate Director Adult Care.

(b)       That Vivienne Broadhurst continue acting up to the role of Executive Director Adults and Housing for a further period of up to 24 months, with some mutual flexibility, be approved.

(c)        That the fixed term appointment of Steve Veevers as Corporate Director of Adult Care for a period of up to 24 months, with some mutual flexibility, be approved.

The Committee noted: -

(d)       That the Chief Executive, Matt Prosser was also present at the Interviewing Panel (of Steve Veevers) on 12 August 2021.

Reason for the decision: It is a function of Staffing Committee to consider and approve the appointment of Chief Officers into role in line with Dorset Council's constitution.

To consider any items of business which the Chairman has had prior notification and considers to be urgent pursuant to section 100B (4) b) of the Local Government Act 1972. The reason for the urgency shall be recorded in the minutes.

There were no urgent items to report.

To move the exclusion of the press and the public for the following item in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph 3 of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

The public and the press will be asked to leave the meeting whilst the item of business is considered.

There was no exempt business.