Agenda and draft minutes

RESOLVED that Councillor Tony Owen be appointed Chairman of the Appointment Panel.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Bosshard.

There were no declarations of interest.

Report HHR 12001

Following the Executive meeting on 19^th October 2011 (Minute 83 refers) when a report on Organisational Redesign was endorsed, the Panel had been convened to deal with the recruitment and selection process for the new Post of Director of Education and Care Services.  The successful candidate would act as the Council’s lead officer on all matters relating to children social care, adult social care, education and operational housing with emphasis placed on the strong leadership qualities of this role needed in drawing together the newly organised department.

The Assistant Chief Executive (HR) when introducing the report advised that a twin track approach has been taken with the appointment of Odgers Berndtson, an executive recruitment company, to undertake a targeted search for potential candidates as well as the Council having advertised the post in appropriate publications and on websites.  The advertisement had run for two weeks and closed at midnight on 25^th January 2012. 

Members’ views were being sought on the approach to be taken in respect of the interview process as to whether it should be a short listing and straight to interview or drawing up a long list and then short listing candidates for stakeholder interviews followed by final interviews.  This latter arrangement had been used in the appointment of the current Chief Executive and was favoured by members provided it did not extend the process over too long a period as the Council wished to make a suitable appointment as soon as possible.  After discussion the timetable was agreed.  The Panel then went on to briefly consider in the confidential part of the meeting the applications received to date.

RESOLVED that 

1)  the recruitment and selection process set out in the report be endorsed;

2)  the terms and conditions to be applied to the Post be noted;

3)  the following timetable for the selection process and interviews be agreed:-

·  Initial 30 minute interviews with applicants by Panel Members - 9^th February 2012;

·  Stakeholder interview process during the week commencing 13^th February 2012;

·  Final Member interview on the afternoon of 21^st February 2012;

4)    the Chief Executive and Assistant Chief Executive (HR) to provide advice and support to the Panel.

The following summary

refers to a matter

involving exempt information

      The Panel discussed the individual applications received to date.