Agenda and minutes

To receive as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 13^th January 2022 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on 13^th January 2022 were approved as a correct record, subject to the following amendments: 

Minute 30, add the following to the note after “19.5.” “as the Interview Panel contains 2 Members from a political group that is one sixth of the Council but 40% of the Interview Panel. 

Minute 31, add the following to the last paragraph and resolution after the word “extend” “to the point that the permanent postholder starts their appointment.“ 

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 Erica Lewis 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. 

The Committee to consider. 

Published on 9 February 2022. 

The Committee was requested to consider a report that set out the current position with regard to the Chief Executive recruitment process. 

Technical Assessor

It was reported that Karen Satterford had been appointed as Technical Assessor, to support the Council in shortlisting the candidates who would proceed to final interview. Karen Satterford joined the meeting from 5:15pm via Teams for the purpose of introductions.  Her brief biography was provided for the Committee, set out below.

The former CE of Wycombe Council with 18 years’ experience as CEO of large and complex organisations. Highly experienced and successful national and international coach and mentor for 8 years to existing and aspiring CEOs and Directors. Experienced with clients in Local Government Unitary, London Borough, County and District Councils, Civil Service and voluntary sector both in the UK and overseas. Experienced Technical Assessor for CEO and Director recruitments. Member of University Council at Bucks New University. Experienced Non Executive Board Director. Charity Trustee.

Karen Satterford was asked questions and took note of where Council Members wished applicants to be probed on their applications and then left the meeting. 

Longlisting

Tile Hill had produced and presented a longlisting report.  Marginal candidates were discussed and it was agreed that these would not progress to the shortlisting stage.  It was also agreed that those not recommended for interview should also not progress for shortlisting.  Nine candidates were put forward who had been recommended for interview and it was agreed that these be progressed to the technical assessment stage with preliminary interviews with Tile Hill and the Technical Assessor week commencing 14 February 2022.  Short listing with this Committee would take place on 24 February 2022.  The final selection was confirmed for 9 March with a stakeholder and also a staff panel with the Chief Executive Interview Panel meeting to interview on Day 2 on 10 March 2022, for the Chief Executive Recruitment Committee to discuss and agree a recommendation for appointment on the same date.  The recommendation to be submitted to Council on 16 March 2022. 

It was noted that the Councillors on the Interview Panel were:

Councillors Hamilton-Cox, Lewis, Caroline Jackson, Gardiner and Matthews. 

The current Chief Executive to attend meetings as an observer.  Substitutes to be permitted by each political group in view of current issues with COVID-19. 

Contingency Arrangements

It was agreed that the Head of HR would arrange interviews for candidates to attend with the full Chief Executive Recruitment Committee from 4.00pm on Monday, 21 February 2022. 

Meetings

It was noted that meetings of the Chief Executive Recruitment Committee would be arranged on the following dates:

21 and 24 February 2022 and 10 March 2022. 

Resolved:

The details set out above were agreed.  

Report of Head of HR. 

This item had been considered earlier in the meeting. 

This item had been considered earlier in the meeting.