Agenda item

To consider the process and progress made in implementing the revised senior management structure.

The Board received an update on the senior management structure.

It was noted that Full Council had approved the structure on 6^th October 2020 which aimed to deliver on the proposed Corporate Plan six outcomes and associated key priorities as well as be able to meet emerging priorities over the coming years.

Following a competitive recruitment process, the Chief Officers Terms and Conditions Committee had approved the following appointments:-

·               Director of Housing – approved on 24^th March 2021

Gillian Douglas appointed and commenced on 12^th July 2021

·               Director of Adult Social Care – approved on 25^th March 2021

         Rashpal Bishop appointed and commenced on 19^th July 2021

·               Director of Finance – approved on 23^rd March 2021

         Simone Hines appointed and commenced on 2^nd August 2021

·               Director of Regeneration and Growth – considered on 1^st April 2021 however appointment not made.  Re-advertised and considered by Chief Officers Terms and Conditions Committee on 16^th July 2021. Tony McGovern appointed and commenced on 13^th September 2021

·               Director of Children and Education – approved on 21^st July 2021

         Michael Jarrett appointed and was due to commence on 22^nd November 2021

·               Director of Borough Economy – approved on 31^st March 2021, unable to appoint. Re-advertised and considered by Chief Officers Terms and Conditions Committee on 26^th August 2021.

         Alice Davey appointed and due to commence on 29^th November 2021.

In addition to implementation of the senior management structure at their meeting on the 31^st July 2021, Full Council approved the early retirement of the Chief Executive.

At their meeting on the 5^th August 2021, the Chief Officer Terms and Conditions Committee appointed Kim Bromley Derry into the role of Interim Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service. Kim started with the Council on 10^th August 2021.

Given the interim nature of the above appointment, it was important that the Council sought to appoint to the role on a permanent basis. The next stage in the recruitment process was to advertise the post externally.

It was also reported that the next officer layer below Directors would be reviewed next.

The Board noted that with the exception of the Chief Executive post, all other Director positions had now been filled.  Members did however request that timely communications should be sent to all elected members as well as a structure chart demonstrating which areas Directors were responsible for.

In relation to a query regarding appointing to the vacant Deputy Chief Executive post, the Director Business Strategy and Change reported that once the Chief Executive and all other Directors had commenced in their role, the new Chief Executive would review whether an appointment into this role was still required. 

It was agreed that a meeting with the Interim Chief Executive would be arranged with Scrutiny Board Chairs as well as a briefing session for all members to meet with all newly appointed Directors. 

Resolved:-

(1)          that the senior management structure update be noted;

(2)          that the Director Business Strategy and Change send a structure chart of the senior management structure to all elected members;

(3)          that the Democratic Services Manager arrange a meeting between Scrutiny Board Chairs and the Interim Chief Executive and a briefing session for all elected members to meet with newly appointed Directors.