Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies to report.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2019.

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2019 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any declarations of interest.

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

To receive questions or statements on the business of the committee from town and parish councils and members of the public.

There was no public participation to report.

To consider the recent appointments process for the Interim Executive Director of Children’s Services. (To Follow)

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help advised the committee that a vacancy had arisen following the resignation of Sarah Parker, Executive Director People – Children’s Services, who had ended her employment with Dorset Council on 31 December 2019.

Members were informed that the post of Executive Director People – Children’s Services formed  part of the Dorset Council Senior Leadership Team, and had a statutory role within the authority, holding responsibility for:

·         schools and learning

·         children’s care and protection

·         commissioning and partnerships

·         safeguarding and standards

Theresa Leavy had been working alongside the former Executive Director as part of the consultation work for the “Blueprint for Change”. 

Following a member led appointment’s process Ms Leavy had been invited to take an interim lead for the services functions and statutory role.  Members of the committee agreed that this proposal would provide continuity for the service and were satisfied that Ms Leavy met the requirements of the role.

As a point of clarification,  the Chief Executive confirmed that the salary payment would be within the Executive Director salary range.

Decision

(a)       That following a member led appointment process, Theresa Leavy be appointed to the position of Interim Executive Director People – Children’s Services, for a period of 12 months from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020.

(b)       That in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Children, Education and Early Help and Corporate Development and Change, authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, for the potential option to offer a further interim period of up in 6 months.

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.

The following items of business were considered by the Chairman as urgent pursuant to section 100B (4) b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

The item was considered to be urgent in order to inform members of changes to the Senior Leadership under the Chief Executive’s delegated powers.

The Chief Executive reported that due to unforeseen circumstances there was a need to appoint to the position of Acting Executive Director People – Adults and Housing until the return of the substantive post holder to their role.

He advised the committee that under his delegated powers he had appointed Vivienne Broadhurst to the position due to her current knowledge of the service and in order to maintain continuity and stability. It was noted that the role of Director of Adult Service (DASS) was a statutory function and he sought the committees support for this decision.

It was likely that the appointment would be for a period of three to six months, but asked that this should remain flexible. The post holder’s salary would be within the Executive Director salary range.

The committee supported this interim solution, but  also requested that the appropriate support be put into place at the Corporate Directorate level of the service.

Decision

That the decision of the Chief Executive to appoint Vivienne Broadhurst to the position of Acting Executive Director People – Adults and Housing until the return of the substantive post holder, be supported and noted.

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   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 are no exempt items to report.  

There was no exempt business to report.