Decision details

That Brendan Arnold be appointed as the Council’s Interim Director of
Finance (Section 151 Officer, Chief Finance Officer) on the following
basis:

a. To undertake all the responsibilities, duties and powers of Director of Finance (s.151 Officer, Chief Finance Officer) as detailed in the Job Description (and associated documents) during the Term of Engagement

b. Term of Engagement:
i. 11th September 2023 to 31st March 2024
ii. No. of contracted hours per week (37), or as required to meet the business need, agreed with the Head of Paid Service

c. Remuneration: xxx

d. Holiday entitlement: n/a

The Council is legally required appoint a suitably qualified officer
responsible for the proper administration of its financial affairs. Within
Sandwell Council, this responsibility falls upon the Council’s Director of
Finance (S.151 Officer, Chief Finance Officer).

The current Director of Finance (S.151 Officer, Chief Finance Officer) is
leaving the Council on 4th September 2023. The current Assistant
Director of Finance (and Deputy S.151 Officer) is also leaving the
Council, on 26th September 2023.

Whilst a recruitment exercise is undertaken to appoint a new Director of
Finance, the Head of Paid Service, under his delegated powers, seeks
to appoint an Interim Director of Finance (S.151 Officer, Chief Finance
Officer) so as to ensure the Council complies with its legal obligations as
detailed within this report.

An interim appointment is necessary as there is insufficient time to
undertake the recruitment exercise for the permanent Director of
Finance (S.151 Officer, Chief Finance Officer). Accordingly, there is no
alternative option to the appointment of an interim Director of Finance
(S.151 Officer, Chief Finance Officer) given the Council’s legal
obligations (as set out in this report).