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 either a

(a)   personal interest

(b)   prejudicial interest

(c)    disclosable pecuniary interest (DPI)

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 on this occasion.

To agree the minutes of the last meeting held on 26 January 2021 as a true and correct record.

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on 26 January 2021 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Resolved: That under Section 100a of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for Agenda Item 3, “Feedback from the assessment process for the appointment of a Director of Children’s Services”, and Agenda Item 4, “Appointment of a Director of Children’s Services”, on the grounds they would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1, Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

The Members’ Panel (Councillor L Williams, Councillor I Taylor, Councillor T Williams and Councillor M Callow) and relevant officers will provide feedback to the Committee on the assessment process up to final interview.

Councillor L Williams provided the Committee with an overview of the assessment process for the appointment of a Director of Children’s Services which had been held the previous week and had involved interviews with various Stakeholders, a written test and a presentation. A Sub Group of the Committee comprising of herself, Councillor I Taylor, Councillor T Williams and Councillor M Callow, had considered the feedback from the interview panels and concluded that of the four candidates considered in the assessment process, two had been considered appointable but had unanimously put forward one preferred candidate for final interview.

Members commented on the rigorous selection process involved and praised the quality of the shortlisted candidates.

Resolved: To note the feedback.

The Committee will be asked to consider making an appointment to the position of Director of Children’s Services.

The preferred candidate, Vicky Gent, joined the meeting and provided the Committee with a brief outline of her experience and background in Children’s Services, in particular in relation to Children’s Social Care.

The Panel noted the positive feedback received in relation to Ms Gent throughout the selection process. Having considered the information submitted, the Committee agreed to make her an offer of appointment to the position of Director of Children’s Services.

It was noted that in accordance with the Officer Employment Procedure Rules, the Chief Officer responsible for Human Resources or their nominated representative is required to consult on any proposed appointment with the members of the Executive.

Resolved:

1. That subject to no objection being made under the Officer Employment Procedure Rules following consultation with the remaining members of the Executive, to make an offer of appointment as Director of Children’s Services to Ms Vicky Gent.

2. That subject to 1) above, the Chief Executive be authorised to finalise arrangements for the appointment with Ms Gent including appointment to the grade in line with Council policy and a start date.

3. To recommend Council to designate Ms Vicky Gent as the statutory Director of Children’s Services with effect from their start date of employment.