Issue - meetings

To consider a report regarding the recruitment of the Chief Executive.

The Board received a report regarding the recruitment of the Chief Executive.

During the discussion of this item the following points were made:

·         Manjeet Gill, Interim Chief Executive, informed the Board that further work was being undertaken with Members around the Job Description and Person Specification for the Chief Executive role.  She suggested that the recruitment process for a permanent Chief Executive begin once a permanent Director of Children’s Services had been recruited. Members felt that this was a sensible approach.  The timetable for recruitment would be amended accordingly.  It was hoped that the process would begin in September.

·         The Board agreed that it was vital that the best candidate was appointed. Members discussed the appointment process.

·         Councillor Helliar Symons questioned whether references would be requested from candidates prior to interview.  Sarah Swindley confirmed that they would not.

·         Personnel Board confirmed the extension of the fixed term contract for Manjeet Gill to 31 March 2019 on the understanding that if the Council was able to bring a new Chief Executive on board prior to this, then early notice would be issued. 

·         Proposed salary was discussed.  The Board was informed that the current market data for Unitary Chief Executives in the South East had been updated.  Updated figures were circulated to Members.

·         It was noted that Wokingham Borough Council was one of the only local authorities to have an element of Performance Related Pay in the Chief Executive’s pay.  The Leader of the Council had previously indicated that she believed that Performance Related Pay was appropriate for Tier 2 officers but that it was difficult to manage at Chief Executive level.  Members felt that this should be removed and that in order for the Council to be competitive the salary offered should be between £145,000 and £170,000.

RESOLVED:  That

1)         the current market data for Unitary Chief Executives in the South East be reviewed and a revised salary range be agreed, subject to approval of the Supplementary Estimate at Executive;

2)         the commencement of a permanent recruitment campaign once the proposed compensation package and job description had been agreed, be agreed;

3)         the extension of Manjeet Gill’s contract to 31 March 2019 be agreed.