Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chair for the remainder of the municipal year ending in May 2022.

Councillor Barbara Jenney was nominated by Councillor Helen Howell and seconded by Councillor Lora Lawman to be chair of the Employment Committee.

Councillor Jenney was unanimously elected.

RESOLVED:-

That Councillor Barbara Jenney be elected as chair of the Employment Committee for the remainder of the municipal year ending in May 2022.

Councillor Barbara Jenney – in the chair

To elect a vice chair (should this be necessary) for the remainder of the municipal year ending in May 2022.

Councillor Matt Binley was nominated by Councillor Helen Howell and seconded by Councillor Lora Lawman to be vice-chair of the Employment Committee.

Councillor Binley was unanimously elected.

RESOLVED:-

That Councillor Matt Binley be elected as vice-chair of the Employment Committee for the remainder of the municipal year ending in May 2022.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Tom Partridge-Underwood, Councillor Russell Roberts and Councillor Jason Smithers (Councillor Helen Howell substituting).

The Chair invited those who wished to do so to declare interests in respect of items on the agenda.

No declarations were made.

The Director of Governance and HR introduced a report seeking to appoint two sub-committees to undertake the recruitment and selection process for the role of Director of Public Health and the role of Executive Director of Children’s Services. A copy of the report was filed with the agenda papers, marked as item 5.

Arising from discussion it was noted that:-

  i)        It was proposed that partners, stakeholders and members all   play a role in helping to select the best candidates for the roles;

 ii)         The appointment sub-committee for the Executive Director of Children’s Services would be responsible for selecting and appointing the successful candidate;

iii)        The appointment sub-committee for the Director of Public Health would be responsible for selecting and recommending the successful candidate, with the final ratification being given by the UK Health Security Agency;

iv)        Member appointment to the sub-committees would be politically balanced but could be drawn from beyond that of the Employment Committee membership.

The Chair wished to record, on behalf of all members of the Committee, her thanks to Lucy Wightman and Cathi Hadley for their outstanding commitment to the Council during its transitional period, and to give best wishes for their future.

RESOLVED:-

a)    That the processes specified in paragraphs 5.1-5.12 of the report be approved;

b)    That a politically balanced Sub Committee be established consisting of seven elected members to shortlist, interview and appoint to the Director of Public Health;

c)    That a politically balanced Sub Committee be established consisting of seven elected members to shortlist, interview and appoint to the Executive Director of Children’s Services;

d)    That membership of each Sub Committee shall consist of 5 Conservative members, 1 Labour member and 1 Green Alliance member.

e)    That authority be delegated in respect of the recruitment for the Executive Director of Children’s Service to the relevant Sub Committee to:

·         Shortlist and interview suitably qualified applicants.

·         Appoint the most suitable person for the position.

f)     That authority be delegated in respect of the recruitment for the Director of Public Health to the relevant Sub Committee to:

·         Shortlist and interview suitably qualified applicants.

·         Recommend the most suitable person for the position, with final approval being provided by the UK Health Security Agency.

(Reasons for Decisions - To ensure to ensure that a comprehensive, inclusive and thorough recruitment and selection process is undertaken, in accordance with the constitution, to ensure that the right candidates are selected for these two senior roles.)

There being no further items of business, the Chair closed the meeting.