The Chief Officers' Employment Panel of Harrow Council met on Wednesday 20 March 2024 to approve remuneration packages for two senior roles and to appoint a new Director of Legal and Governance Services. The panel also approved a severance package exceeding £100,000.

Recruitment of Director of Finance and Assurance (Section 151 Officer)

The Panel approved the recruitment process and remuneration package for the Director of Finance and Assurance (Section 151 Officer) post. The approved remuneration package is between £132,168 and £145,575, reflecting a D3 pay grade. This statutory role is crucial for the Council's financial management and governance. The previous permanent post holder resigned in August 2023, with an interim arrangement in place since then. The recruitment process will involve advertising the post and shortlisting candidates by a panel including the Managing Director and an external specialist. The final appointment will be made by the Chief Officers' Employment Panel.

Approval of Remuneration Package for Assistant Director of Homes

The remuneration package for the new Assistant Director of Homes role was approved by the Panel. This new position, within the Place Directorate, will have a salary range of £94,902 to £111,474, corresponding to a D1 pay grade. The creation of this role is a response to new regulatory requirements stemming from the Social Housing Act (July 2023), which places a greater emphasis on health and safety compliance and the maintenance of council homes. The Assistant Director of Homes will oversee significant revenue and capital budgets and will lead on property-related matters to ensure homes are safe and meet new standards. The Director of Housing introduced the report, noting that recruitment would be via the open market. Members requested that the Leader of the Council and the Shadow Portfolio Holder be included in the interview process. The costs associated with this role are expected to be offset by savings from a wider restructure of housing services.

Appointment of Director of Legal and Governance Services

The Panel unanimously resolved to appoint Jessica Farmer to the post of Director of Legal and Governance Services. Ms. Farmer is currently the Interim Director of Legal and Governance Services and Monitoring Officer for Harrow Council. The appointment is subject to no material or well-founded objection from members of the Cabinet. The remuneration package for this role was set at £132,168 per annum, corresponding to a D3 spinal point 1. The Panel had interviewed two candidates for the position after one applicant withdrew.

Severance Package of £100,000 or Greater

The Panel received a confidential report and approved a severance payment exceeding £100,000. The details of this payment are contained within section 2 of the officer report, which was not publicly available.