The Staffing Committee of Waltham Forest Council was scheduled to convene on Thursday, 16 April 2026, with the primary item on the agenda being the appointment of a new Corporate Director for Highways and Parking. The meeting's report pack outlined the process for considering candidates for this significant chief officer position.

Chief Officer Appointment: Corporate Director - Highways

The main focus of the meeting was the consideration of candidates for the role of Corporate Director of Highways and Parking. The report pack indicated that the Staffing Committee was requested to interview and decide on an appointment for this post. The recruitment was prompted by the need for permanent leadership to stabilise management and strategic direction within the Highways and Parking services, following a period of interim cover which was incurring substantial costs for the Council. The post itself was already budgeted for within the Council's establishment.

The role of the Corporate Director of Highways and Parking was described as leading the Highways and Parking team, providing strategic policy direction, operational management, and financial control. This role is crucial for developing customer-centred service delivery and advising the Strategic Leadership Team, Chief Executive, and Cabinet. The position carries significant responsibilities, including the management of a council service budget of £56 million, with income of £70 million and a capital budget of £41 million. The Corporate Director would also have direct line management of four heads of service, overseeing more than 90 indirect reports.

The report pack detailed the generic accountabilities of the role, which include directing and controlling the service, developing strategies and policies aligned with the Council's corporate objectives, and managing stakeholder relationships. Specific job-related accountabilities involve overseeing the Highways, Traffic, and Parking Service, ensuring compliance with regulatory and legislative requirements, and leading on the development and application of programme and project management techniques. The role also requires establishing and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders, including government offices, Transport for London, the Greater London Authority, and other local authorities. The report highlighted the need for strong financial grip, strategic and innovative problem-solving, and the ability to work effectively in a political environment.

The Staffing Committee was recommended to interview and decide on an appointment for the Corporate Director of Highways and Parking, and to make any other necessary decisions within its terms of reference. The appointment process was stated to be in accordance with the Council's Recruitment & Selection Policy and Procedure, and all appointments to Council posts must be made on merit, as per section 7 of the Local Government Act 1989.

The meeting was scheduled to be held in public, with provisions for excluding the press and public if exempt information was to be discussed, as defined by the Local Government Act 1972.