The JNC Appointments, Salaries and Structures Panel appointed a new Director of Financial Services and approved several senior leadership changes within the council. The meeting also saw the redesignation of a strategic director role and the creation of two new director positions.

Appointment of Director of Financial Services

The Panel appointed Shabana Kauser to the post of Director of Financial Services (and Deputy S151 Officer), subject to satisfactory references, employment checks, and usual terms and conditions. The salary for this position was set at £125,311, which falls within the approved senior leadership pay scale. This decision followed the interview of the sole shortlisted candidate, as one of the initial two candidates had withdrawn their application. The Panel reviewed the candidate's application, external technical assessment, and psychometric personality test results before agreeing on interview questions and conducting the interview.

Senior Leadership Changes

The Panel considered a report from the Chief Executive regarding proposed changes to senior leadership roles. It was agreed to redesignate the post of Strategic Director, My Place to Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Communities, to align with the recent rebranding of the My Place service.

Furthermore, the Panel approved the extension of Fiona Russell's fixed-term contract as Director of Care, Community and Health Integration for an additional 12 months, until 10 November 2025. This extension will allow Ms. Russell to oversee the implementation of ongoing work. The potential redundancy cost liability associated with this extension will be met from the General Fund.

In an urgent additional report, the Panel addressed the vacant post of Director of Homes and Assets. Following two unsuccessful recruitment campaigns, a review concluded that it would be more effective to separate the housing and assets/property management functions into two distinct JNC-level posts. This separation aims to enhance oversight, accountability, and strategic focus, while also responding to government legislative and regulatory changes. The additional funding requirement of approximately £145,000 for these new roles will be split equally between the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account.

As a result of these considerations, the Panel resolved to:

• Redesignate the post of Strategic Director, My Place to Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Communities.
• Approve the extension of Fiona Russell's contract as Director of Care, Community and Health Integration for a further 12 months.
• Delegate authority to the Strategic Director, Children and Adults, in consultation with the Chief Executive and the Director of Workforce Change, to finalise the revised job description for the Director of Care, Community and Health Integration post.
• Agree to delete the vacant post of Director of Homes and Assets.
• Approve the creation of two new posts: Director of Housing and Director of Property and Assets.
• Delegate authority to the Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Communities, in consultation with the Chief Executive and the Director of Workforce Change, to agree the final job descriptions and grades for the new posts and to engage executive search agents for recruitment.