To make interim arrangements to fill the post of director for economy and place following the resignation of the current post holder.

The Head of HR and Organisational Development outlined the purpose of the report and the process that was to be followed.

It was noted that there was no standard usage for the term ‘interim’ in relation to appointments in Herefordshire Council and it was agreed that for clarity the role would be titled Acting Director for Economy and Place as the term ‘acting’ was widely understood.

It was noted that recruitment for a permanent director was expected to start early in 2019 with an appointment to be made in late spring 2019, after the next set of council elections.

The chief executive gave a summary of planned structural changes which would impact on the post and how the role of the Acting Director would differ from that held by the current post holder. He confirmed that a suitably qualified internal candidate had expressed an interest in the role on an acting up basis and a CV and supporting statement from the candidate had been provided to the panel.

It was confirmed that in the event the internal candidate was appointed to the acting director role, arrangements would be put in place to backfill. The chief executive was confident sufficient capacity existed within the relevant teams but if necessary additional capacity would be brought in.

In discussion of the post it was noted that:

·         the use of the word ‘place’ in the title did not necessarily convey the same meaning as ‘communities’ which it replaced but the term was widely used in local government;

·         there should be an even playing field for other candidates in the event that the acting director applied for the permanent role;

·         it was expected that there would be candidates for the permanent role, there were important projects planned for the next few years which would attract potential candidates;

·         if the internal candidate chose not to apply for the permanent role or was unsuccessful then they would return to their substantive post;

·         the grading of the acting director post would not change in light of the structural changes.

The panel adjourned at 11:08 and an interview of the candidate took place.

The panel reconvened at 12:06.

Having concluded the appointment process, which consisted of reviewing the candidate’s CV and supporting statement and an interview it was resolved that:

(a)  the assistant director for environment and place be temporarily appointed for up to 18 months to the role of acting director for economy and place.