Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs David Bowell and Spencer Flower.

The Senior Democratic Services Officer advised that in their absence Cllrs Simon Gibson and Nick Ireland were substitutes for them on the interviewing panel and staffing committee.

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To appoint a chairman for the meeting.

It was proposed by Cllr Gary Suttle and seconded by Cllr Beryl Ezzard

Decision

That Cllr Jane Somper be elected the Chairman for the meeting.

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 the recommendations of the interview panel.

The Chairman advised that there was a minor error in the report and confirm that the current Executive Director for People, Adults and Housing, Vivienne Broadhurst, was also an advisor to the formal panel. 3 candidates had been interviewed with the help of external stakeholders, internal colleagues, and people who were experts by experience.

Following a robust and fair formal process of selection, it was proposed by Cllr Jane Somper seconded by Cllr Gary Suttle

Decision

That subject to contractual arrangements being agreed with the candidate, Jonathan Price be appointed to the position of Executive Director for People Adults and Housing with the effect from March 2024.

To consider a report on the appointment of the Interim Executive Lead for the Place Directorate.

The current Executive Director had decided to leave the council on 3 January 2024. Members were advised that a recruitment and selection process for an Interim Executive Lead had been carried out by an interviewing panel consisting of the Portfolio Holders for Highways, Travel and Environment, and Assets & Property, the Chief Executive and Head of Human Resources.

The Panel’s recommendation was to appoint Jan Britton as Interim Executive Lead for Place and the Monitoring Officer had supported this approach.

Decision (unanimous)

That Jan Britton be appointed to the position of Interim Executive Lead for Place.

To consider a report on the appointment of the Corporate Director for Commissioning & Partnership (Children Services).

The committee considered a report by the Head of Human Resources seeking support for the interview panel’s recommendation for the appointment of the Interim Corporate Director for Commissioning & Partnership in the Children’s Services directorate.

The committee was content with the proposed appointment on an interim basis for a 6-month period and noted that the formal recruitment process to fill the permanent vacancy would proceed in the New Year. The Monitoring Officer supported the process.

Decision

That Elizabeth Saunders be appointed as the Interim Corporate Director for Commissioning & Partnerships on a 6-month basis.

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 x 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 is no exempt business scheduled for this meeting.

There was no urgent business to report.