Decision

To approve the designation of the statutory role of Chief Finance Officer (s151 Officer) to the post of Chief Finance Officer

Reasons for the decision

The designation of the statutory role of Chief Finance Officer (s151 officer) is currently held by Corporate Director, Resources, as set out in Part 2 Article 12 of the Constitution.

Following a review of the senior management structure in spring 2026 the post of Corporate Director, Resources, has been deleted. This is to be replaced by a dedicated Chief Finance Officer position, which will not include responsibility for other council directorates, other than the Director – Finance.

The current post holder has accepted redundancy and will leave the council on 31 May 2026, following a meeting of the Senior Officers Employment Sub-Committee on 5 May 2026.

An interim Chief Finance Officer has been appointed to take up post from 1 June 2026 for the new arrangements, following a meeting of the Officer Appointments Committee on 14 May 2026.

Under Part 2 Article 4(3) of the Constitution Full Council has responsibility for the designation of statutory officer posts. The next meeting of Full Council is scheduled for 21 July 2026. This would leave a vacant designation from 1 June to 21 July.

Due to the statutory requirement to have a s.151 Officer, it is therefore necessary to take a decision under the emergency provisions of the Wiltshire Council constitution set out above, in order to ensure the new position is appropriately designated from 1 June 2026. Political Group leaders have been advised of the process throughout the senior management restructure.

This decision will be reported to the next meeting of the Council on 21 July 2026.

I confirm that in making this decision I have considered the following in line with Wiltshire Council’s Constitution:

Key decision requirements: NA

Views of relevant cabinet member(s), committee chairman, area board(s): The Leader has been advised of the decision.

Consultation with cabinet member(s), the Leader and Scrutiny (for Executive decisions taken under Emergency Powers): Not applicable – non-executive

Consultation in accordance with the council’s consultation guidance and the views emanating from that process: NA

Implication of any council policy, initiative, strategy or procedure: Having a designated S151 officer is essential for many council matters.

Staffing, financial and legal implications: Having a designated S151 officer is essential for many council matters.

The assessment of any associated risks in accordance with the Council’s risk management strategy: Having a designated S151 officer is essential for many council matters.

Involvement of appropriate statutory officers and/or corporate directors and directors: The Extended Leadership Team have been advised of the decision.

Regional or national guidance from other bodies where relevant: NA

The council’s constitution, including the Procurement and Contract Rules (Part 10) and the Financial Regulations and Procedure Rules (Part 9), all relevant guidance, legislation, codes of practice, and protocols: NA

Alternative options considered

The Council must have a designated s.151 officer in accordance with legislation. An extraordinary meeting solely to designate the post to the new position could be called, but this was not considered to be a proportionate or reasonable approach.