The Chief Officers' Employment Panel met on Thursday 6 June 2024 to discuss the appointment of a new Director of Finance and Assurance (Section 151 Officer). The meeting also addressed the exclusion of the press and public for discussions on severance packages and the appointment of this key officer.

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

The panel considered the appointment of the Director of Finance and Assurance, a statutory role often referred to as the Section 151 Officer. This officer is responsible for the proper administration of the council's financial affairs. The agenda indicated that the panel would interview shortlisted candidates and then make an appointment. Due to the sensitive nature of this appointment, which involves personal information about individuals, the press and public were excluded from this part of the meeting.

Severance Package of £100,000 or Greater

The panel was scheduled to review a report from the Director of IT concerning severance packages exceeding £100,000. As with the appointment of the Director of Finance and Assurance, discussions on this matter required the exclusion of the press and public. This is because such discussions involve information relating to individuals and the financial affairs of specific persons, as outlined in paragraphs 1 and 3 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

The minutes from the previous meeting on 24 April 2024 show that the panel has previously approved severance payments of over £100,000. In that meeting, they resolved to approve a severance payment detailed in an officer's report, subject to a settlement agreement, and also approved two severance payments following the Environment directorate restructure.

The Chief Officers' Employment Panel is chaired by Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council. Other Conservative members include Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration, and Councillor David Ashton, Portfolio Holder for Finance & Highways, and Councillor Stephen Greek, Portfolio Holder for Performance, Communications & Customer Experience. The Labour Group is represented by Councillor David Perry and Councillor Natasha Proctor.