The Members' Staffing Panel of Bexley Council was scheduled to convene on Monday 24 June 2024. The primary focus of the meeting was the appointment of a Deputy Director for Adult Social Care.

Appointment of Deputy Director, Adult Social Care

The panel was scheduled to consider the appointment of a Deputy Director for Adult Social Care. This role became vacant when the previous postholder was appointed to the Director of Adult Social Care & Health position in March 2024. An interim arrangement has been in place during the recruitment process.

The report pack detailed the recruitment and selection process undertaken by the council, which involved commissioning Tile Hill, Recruitment Consultants, to conduct an executive search. The role was advertised in the Municipal Journal and on its online portal, as well as on the council's own website and social media platforms. A dedicated recruitment microsite managed by Tile Hill was used to provide candidates with detailed information and to monitor interest.

Tile Hill identified approximately 180 potential candidates, including individuals at Deputy/Assistant Director level and current Heads of Service. The search specifically targeted those with experience in Adult Social Care, particularly in learning disabilities, and those who could complement the existing team's skills.

The recruitment process involved an initial assessment of 10 applications against key criteria, including a degree or equivalent qualification, a recognised social work qualification, professional registration with Social Work England, substantial experience in leading and developing services, and the achievement of measurable results in challenging environments.

Eight applicants were longlisted for interview and technical assessment, which took place over two days in May 2024. These assessments were conducted by Olivia Raber Batchelor, Director of Adult Social Care & Health, Chris Barrow from the council's HR Service, and Zarvesha Rasool from Tile Hill. The technical interviews explored candidates' professional and technical knowledge, experience, and motivation.

A shortlist of three individuals was presented to the Members' Staffing Panel for final interviews. These candidates were also scheduled to meet with a Stakeholder Panel and a Lived Experience Panel on Monday 17 May 2024, with feedback from these panels to be provided to the Members' Staffing Panel. The shortlisted candidates were expected to deliver a presentation and participate in a formal interview. The appointment is subject to satisfactory references and the Executive Notification Procedure.

The report pack indicated that the appointment would be made on the terms and conditions for senior roles in accordance with the council's Pay Policy. The grade for the role is Bexley24, with a salary range of £107,559-£126,127, plus a Choices benefits package of £5,415.

The report pack included the job description and person specification for the Deputy Director - Adult Social Care role. The purpose of the job is to ensure the delivery of excellent integrated services to residents, lead strategy and planning, and support the delivery of a broad range of services. Key accountabilities include developing and implementing strategies, pursuing integrated approaches with NHS partners, ensuring customer-focused and efficient service delivery, and managing allocated budgets. The role also involves deputising for the Director of Adult Social Care and Health and leading and motivating staff. The portfolio statement for the postholder includes responsibility for Integrated Rehabilitation, Integrated Services for Older People, Mental Health, Complex Care, Safeguarding Adults, Social Care Information Systems, and co-leadership of 'Bexley Care'.

The person specification outlined essential and desirable criteria for candidates, including educational qualifications, professional registration, substantial experience in service leadership, and knowledge of relevant legislative, social, and economic issues. High performance indicators for managers, such as innovation, leadership, collaboration, listening and responding, and being open and accessible, were also detailed.

The meeting was also scheduled to address procedural items, including the appointment of a Chairman, apologies for absence, the minutes of the previous meeting held on 13 June 2024, and declarations of interest. The panel was also to consider any items of late business and whether to exclude the press and public from discussions relating to the exempt item concerning the appointment of the Deputy Director, Adult Social Care. This exclusion was recommended due to the consideration of personal information relating to the candidates, as permitted under Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.