Agenda and minutes

Members are asked to declare any interests in the items under consideration and in doing so state:

(1) the type of interest concerned; and

(2) the nature of the interest concerned

If any member requires advice on declarations of interests, they are advised to contact the Head of Democratic Governance in advance of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

To agree the minutes of the last meeting held on 17^th June 2014 as a true and correct record.

The Committee agreed that the minutes of the meeting held on 17^th June 2014 be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To consider the staffing arrangements following the resignation of the current Director of Children’s Services (and statutory post holder) who has agreed to take up a similar post at another Local Authority.

The Committee considered the report on the proposed interim arrangements, following the resignation of the current Director of Children’s Services, who had recently secured a post with another local authority. 

The report set out that Mrs Delyth Curtis, the Council’s Director of Adult Services, would take on the directorate responsibility for Children’s Services and that it was proposed for her to be designated the statutory Director in that area.  Members also considered proposals for Karen Smith, the Acting Deputy Director of Adult Services, to be the Council’s statutory Director of Adult Services.

In considering the proposals, members were aware of the importance of ensuring consistency in relation to the improvement journey for the Council’s Children’s Social Care Services and school improvement services.  It was also noted that support for the transition would be provided from an external experienced ex Director of Children’s Services and that dialogue with both the Department for Education and the Local Government Association would also take place regarding the transition.

The Committee agreed:

1.  That on an interim basis for a period up to 30^th September 2015, Delyth Curtis be designated as the statutory Director of Children’s Services from a date agreed by the Chief Executive.

2.  That on an interim basis for a period up to 30^th September 2015, Karen Smith be designated as the statutory Director of Adult Services from a date agreed by the Chief Executive and be confirmed as a Chief Officer.

3.  That the statutory designations referred to in 1 and 2 above be subject to confirmation by Council at its September meeting, but the Chief Executive be authorised as indicated, to make interim designations, prior to that meeting, should the need arise.

4.  That the Chief Executive is authorised to make salary arrangements using the market supplement policy for both Statutory Directors within the current allocated budgets.