Agenda and minutes

To receive as a correct record the minutes held on 18 February 2019 (attached). 

The Chairman welcomed newly elected Councillors to the Committee.

Membership of the Committee had changed since the last meetings held on 18 and 25 February 2019. Since none of the new Committee members had been members of the Committee in 2018/19, the minutes could not be agreed as a correct record.

Resolved:

That the minutes from the meetings held on 18 and 25 February 2019 be noted.

The Chair informed Members that he had accepted one item of urgent business regarding the recruitment process. The matter was urgent because it might directly impact items 7 and 8 on the agenda requiring decisions to be made to progress the recruitment process.

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 and 2 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. 

Before discussions were fully underway on the item of urgent business, the Chair proposed that the Committee pass a resolution to exclude press and public from the meeting, as the Committee would be discussing information exempt from publication under paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972. Councillor Barber seconded the proposition, which was clearly carried when put to the vote.

Resolved:

That press and public be excluded from the meeting to allow information exempt from publication, under paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, to be discussed.

Councillors noted that the composition of the Council had changed considerably since the start of the recruitment process. There was debate on the way forward before a majority decision was reached on a course of action.

It was noted that Councillors Knight and Hamilton-Cox would have to send their apologies for the next meeting of the Committee on 18 June 2019. Councillor Knight would ask Councillor Dennison to substitute for him.

Resolved:

(1)   That the HR Project Manager be requested to inform Penna consultants that there will be a delay to the recruitment process and that he will contact them further in two weeks’ time.

Resolutions (2) and (3) for this item of urgent business are set out in a more detailed minute exempt from publication under paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

To appoint a vice-chair of the Committee for 2019/20.

Councillor Hamilton-Cox nominated Councillor Caroline Jackson for Vice-Chair of the Committee for 2019/20, seconded by Councillor Knight. There were no further nominations.

Resolved:

That Councillor Caroline Jackson be appointed Vice-Chair of the Chief Executive Recruitment Committee for the municipal year 2019/20.

A report from Penna Consultants will be provided for consideration at the meeting.

In view of the urgent business decision taken (minute 6 refers) this item was not discussed.

To consider the process for the final assessment days. Penna Consultants will provide further information.

In view of the urgent business decision taken (minute 6 refers) this item was not discussed.