Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from County Borough Councillors M. Diamond and A. Morgan.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the Appointments Committee.

To receive disclosures of personal interest from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct

Note:

1.    Members are requested to identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest: and

2.   Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chairman when they leave.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, there were no declarations made pertaining to the agenda.

To receive the minutes of the previous meeting of the Appointments Committee held on 19^th February 2019.

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the Appointments Committee held on the 19^th February 2019 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

“That the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972 (as amended) for the next item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 12 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Act.”

The Director of Human Resources presented his joint report with the Group Director, Community and Children’s Services, which contained exempt information.

Members were advised that following the notification of the Director of Children’s Services retirement date, the Chief Executive, Group Director, Community and Children’s Services, Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of Human Resources undertook a review to determine whether the post of Director of Children’s Services was needed going forward. It was concluded that there is a need to replace the post as it is considered a key role.

Members were advised of the suggested way forward and asked them to agree the recommendations set out at 2.1 and 2.2 of the report.

The Director of Human Resources pointed out that there are a number of Heads of Service who have undertaken management development courses as part of the Council’s workforce development strategy, who have potential to undertake the role as Director of Children’s Services.

Members felt that as the post is a key role within the Council, they do not want to exclude external candidates from applying and queried whether the post could be advertised externally.    

In response, The Director of Human Resources reported that the post could be advertised externally and internal staff would also have the opportunity to apply within.

Following discussions, it was RESOLVED -

(1)  that the post of the Director of Children’s Services be advertised externally.

(2)  that an update with regard to applications received be provided to Members following the application process.