Agenda item

To receive a report regarding revisions to the Chief Executive Job Description.

The Board considered revisions to the Chief Executive Job Description.

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

·         Personnel Board had approved the Job Description and Person Specification for the selection of an Interim Chief Executive on 29 June.  The Interim Chief Executive had been asked to support the Council in its search for a permanent replacement.  Members were informed that the revised Job Description and Person Specification had been influenced by the 21^st century Council job description design and conversations with the Executive and other Members regarding important qualities and experience for a Chief Executive.

·         The Board considered and amended the Summary of Role.  Members agreed that it should read as follows:

Ø  To shape and deliver the vision and ambitions of the Council to the benefit of the residents/citizens of the Borough.  Provide the managerial leadership and operational grip to ensure a modern and progressive Council which is customer focused, commercially orientated, collaborative, digitally aware, and results driven in its culture.

Ø  Lead a diverse and complex organisation, within an appropriate policy context and governance framework to ensure robust performance management and aid the delivery of integrated services which represent value for money for residents, and support the needs and aspirations of all of our communities.

Ø  To develop the role of the Council developing and enabling communities to build the profile, prosperity and wellbeing of the Borough.

Ø  Discharge, in an excellent manner, the full statutory responsibilities as Head of Paid Service and Principal Advisor to Wokingham Borough Council.

·         Councillor Helliar-Symons questioned whether the DBS check required box should be selected.  Sarah Swindley clarified that this was not required for the role.  The Chairman requested that Members be sent the policy relating to DBS checks for information.

·         In response to a Member question regarding what ‘gold emergency response’ entailed Sarah Swindley clarified that this related to different levels of duties in an emergency situation.  The Chief Executive and Directors were all at the highest level.  Training would be provided to enable the Chief Executive to undertake this element of the role.

·         With regards to Key Accountabilities, Members felt that the Chief Executive should be ‘digitally driven’ as opposed to ‘digitally aware.’

·         Members discussed whether the 21^st century Council programme should be more directly referenced within the Job Description.  The Board agreed that it was important that the Chief Executive ‘provide leadership through the Corporate Leadership Team for the delivery of transformation plans and programmes within the agreed budget and timeframe.’

·         Members felt that it was important that the Chief Executive led on helping vulnerable residents.  Sarah Swindley informed the Board that the following wording was included in all Council Job Descriptions as an additional Corporate Responsibility; ‘Safeguarding responsibilities:At all times to demonstrate and positively reinforce our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.’

·         The Board were of the view that the Chief Executive should be able to lobby national and local government where required.

·         Members requested that the Chief Executive have successful, demonstrable commercial experience.

·         Being able to be a good listener was considered a key skill of the Chief Executive.

RESOLVED:  That the Personnel Board approve draft amendments to the Chief Executive Job Description for permanent recruitment.