Agenda and minutes

To note under the provisions of the formula membership the attendance of any nominees.

RESOLVED:  To note that there were no nominee Members in attendance.

To receive declarations of disclosable pecuniary or non pecuniary interests, arising from business to be transacted at this meeting, from all Members present.

RESOLVED:  To note that there were no declarations of interests made by Members.

That the minutes of the meeting held on 1 August 2024 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings of the Chief Officers’ Employment Panel held on 31 July and 1 August 2024 be taken as read and signed as correct records.

Report of the Managing Director

Members agreed to consider an urgent information report which outlined the recruitment process for the Director of Public Health, a statutory Chief Officer post.

The Managing Director introduced the report and advised of the intention to commence the recruitment process in September, possibly alongside the recruitment for the Director of Education post.  He explained that the appointment of the Director of Public Health was a joint responsibility of the local authority and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.  An advisory appointments committee would be established as a technical panel and make recommendations on the appointment to the Chief Officers’ Employment Panel.  The Managing Director advised Members that the current post holder would leave the Council by 31 March 2025, but earlier if the appointed post holder had commenced before then.

The Chair indicated that he would wish there to be cross party involvement in the advisory appointments panel, so as to enable the opposition Group to have an input into the shortlisting process for this post.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

RESOLVED:  That in accordance with Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) for the reasons set out below:

Upon the interview of the shortlisted candidates, to consider making an appointment to the post of Acting Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy

Having interviewed two candidates, the Panel

RESOLVED:  That the post of Acting Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy be offered to Cathy Knubley, who is currently the Director of Environment at the London Borough of Harrow, on a salary of £132,168 (D3 point 1) until 31 March 2025, in accordance with the terms and conditions governing Chief Officer posts and subject to there being no ‘material and well-founded objections’ from members of the Executive.