Agenda and minutes

To receive as a correct record the minutes held on 18^th October 2021 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on 18 October 2021 were agreed as a correct record. 

To receive declarations by Councillors of interests in respect of items on this Agenda. 

Councillors are reminded that, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests. (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting). 

Whilst not a legal requirement, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 and in the interests of clarity and transparency, Councillors should declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which they have already declared in the Register, at this point in the meeting. 

In accordance with Part B Section 2 of the Code Of Conduct, Councillors are required to declare the existence and nature of any other interests as defined in paragraphs 8(1) or 9(2) of the Code of Conduct. 

No declarations of interest were made. 

There were no items of urgent business. 

The Committee is recommended to pass the following recommendation in relation to the following item(s):-

“That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) of business, on the grounds that they could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

Members are reminded that, whilst the following item(s) have been marked as exempt, it is for the Committee itself to decide whether or not to consider each of them in private or in public.  In making the decision, Members should consider the relevant paragraph of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and also whether the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.  In considering their discretion Members should also be mindful of the advice of Council Officers. 

It was moved by Councillor Jason Wood, seconded by Councillor Oliver Robinson and resolved as follows. 

Resolved:

That, in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act. 

Report of Head of HR. 

The Committee considered a report of the Head of HR to ratify the appointment of Consultants to support the work of the Council in recruiting a new Chief Executive.

It was moved by Councillor Wood, seconded by Councillor Robinson and unanimously agreed: -

“That the recommendations set out in the report be agreed, subject to negotiation regarding assessment of costs.”

Resolved:

That the appointment of Tile-Hill Executive Recruitment to provide consultancy services for the recruitment of the Chief Executive be ratified, subject to negotiation regarding assessment of costs. 

Presentation and officer recommendations for decision. 

Report of Head of HR. 

Note:  The report to be considered in public, the presentation to be considered in the exempt part of the meeting in accordance with Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. 

The Head of HR submitted a report to agree the Candidate Pack (including remuneration) and Recruitment process for the Chief Executive. 

At this point Greg Hayes, Director and David Weir, Founding Director, of Tile-Hill joined the meeting via Microsoft Teams.  There was a short period of introductions. 

The Committee considered the salary for the position of Chief Executive. 

It was moved by Councillor Wood and seconded by Councillor De La Mare and unanimously agreed:- 

“That the salary at which the role of Chief Executive will be advertised will be a core salary at £120,000 per annum and a re-location package of up to £6,000 to be made available.” 

The Committee considered the Job Description for the position.  The Committee queried several issues as follows:

A)    Purpose of Role – query regarding “Lancaster Leader”, to read “District Leader”.

B)    Language used; To be clear on diverse landscape of the district, and the nuances of the political profile. 

C)    Professional Accountability – query regarding the word “success”.  To consider replacing with “future prosperity” and/or “values as set by the Council.”

D)    Qualifications – Query regarding the meaning of “clearance”.  The applicants to be educated to degree level or have relevant experience or other relevant qualifications to be an essential criterion and that an MBA or MPA or equivalent, or training in management or finance be desirable criteria.  

E)    Key Accountabilities – duplication of wording in paragraph 6. 

It was agreed that the Job Description be considered at a future meeting. 

The Committee considered the Candidate Information Pack.  It was clarified that an online Microsite would replace the Candidate Information Pack.  This was in keeping with industry current recruitment practise for senior positions. 

It was agreed that the Lancaster Brand launch video be placed on the Microsite landing page if appropriate and that a written statement be produced and signed by the Leaders of the 4 largest political groups.  That the written statement be drafted by the Chair of this Committee in conjunction with officers and endorsed by the signatories.  That the statement contains approximately 500 words. 

Members then considered the Timeline.  Tile-Hill informed the Committee that the Timeline would need to be delayed by a week, to commence on 13th January 2022 due to lead times of the Municipal Journal (MJ) with the process concluding week commencing 7^th March 2022.  A teaser advert could be included in MJ on 16^th December 2021. 

The Committee agreed Option 3 with a Microsite being provided.  It was also agreed that there would be no mock media interview, role play or psychometric testing. 

It was noted that the Committee would consider other additional optional extras and costs at a later date. 

The Committee agreed that, in view of timescales, that the next meeting be held on Monday 13^th December 2021, commencing at 4.00pm. 

Resolved:

(1)        That the salary at which the role of Chief Executive will be advertised will be a core salary at £120,000 per annum and a re-location package  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

Report of Head of HR. 

Note:  This item to be considered in public. 

The Committee agreed to defer this item to the next meeting.