Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chair for the meeting.

It was proposed by Cllr Andrew Parry seconded by Cllr Simon Clifford.

Decision: That Cllr Nick Ireland be elected the Chair 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 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 consider passing the following recommendation:  

Recommendation  

That in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the public from the meeting for the business specified in item(s) No 6  because it is likely that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in paragraph(s) 1 of Part 1 of schedule 12A to the Act and the public interest in withholding the information outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information to the public.  

The public and the press will be asked to leave the meeting whilst the item of business is considered. (Any live streaming will end at this juncture).  

Reason for taking the item in

Paragraph 1 - Information relating to any individual.

It was proposed by Cllr Jill Haynes and seconded by Cllr Simon Clifford.

Decision: That the press and the public be excluded for the following item(s) in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraphs 1 & 3 of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

To consider a report of the Interim Chief Executive.

It was agreed that the interim appointment was a logical progression, with the individual demonstrating strong capability. Whilst workload concerns were noted, the interim role was considered appropriate, and support would have been in place.

Following discussion, it was proposed by Cllr Simon Clifford and seconded by Cllr Ben Wilson and unanimously agreed, that:

(a)  With effect from 1 September 2025, Sean Cremer be designated the Council’s interim S151 officer and as the interim administrator for the Local Government Pension Scheme in Dorset.

(b)  That after consultation with all political group leaders the Chief Executive be asked to make recommendations about the future structure of the officer senior leadership team, for consideration by a future meeting of the Staffing Committee.