Decision details

(Not for publication – Exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 off Schedule 12A to the Local

Government Act 1972.  It was considered that in all the circumstances of the case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interests in disclosing the information.

The Committee considered a report on the arrangements for the appointment of a permanent Director of Financial Resources who would also act as the Council's S.151 officer.

The Committee discussed:

·  The possible engagement of the North West Employers Organisation to assist with the recruitment process. It was noted that NWEO would not be able to undertake an executive search function;

·  The recruitment and selection arrangements including the need for recruitment consultants to be appointed to assist with the search for candidates, an assessment centre process, a technical assessment and for candidates to make a presentation to the Committee;

·  The proposed grade D2 salary for the post including the generic grade profile and person specification; and

·  The recruitment timetable and advertising arrangements.

A concern was expressed that the proposed grade 2 salary would not attract enough suitable candidates. It was agreed that further information would be circulated to members to enable a final decision to be taken on the grade for the post.  It was acknowledged that an urgent decision was needed to enable the recruitment timetable to be met.

Resolved:

That,

(i)  the North West Employers Organisation be engaged to assist the recruitment process.

(ii)  recruitment consultants will not be used at this stage to assist with the search for candidates but that this would be reviewed if there were insufficient suitable candidates for the post.

(iii)  officers be requested to make the necessary arrangements for candidates to undertake an assessment centre process, as well as a technical assessment.

(iv)  candidates be asked to make a presentation to the committee and that officers be requested to prepare an appropriate topic to be agreed by the Committee.

(v)  the recruitment  timetable as presented and discussed at the meeting  be agreed.

(vi)  the advertising arrangements as presented and discussed at the meeting including the use of a micro site and  the circulation of details about the post to relevant professional organisations and networks  e agreed

(vii)  officers be requested to circulate further information in relation to the salaries paid to other comparable Director of Finance/S1.51 officers to enable the grade and person specification to be determined and advertised as a matter of urgency.