The Chief Officer Appointment Committee of Newham Council met on Thursday 3 September 2026. The primary item on the agenda was the establishment of a Chief Officer Appointment Sub-Committee to oversee the recruitment process for the Corporate Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer).

Establishment of Chief Officer Appointment Sub-Committee

The committee was scheduled to discuss the establishment of a Chief Officer Appointment Sub-Committee. This sub-committee would be responsible for making an appointment to the critical role of Corporate Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer). The report pack indicated that the previous incumbent in this position resigned on 31 May 2026.

The role of the Corporate Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer) is a statutory position within the council, responsible for undertaking the council's fiduciary duty to the residents of Newham and ensuring the effective delivery of services. The job description highlights that this is a politically restricted role requiring an experienced individual with a strong financial background and the ability to drive innovation. The post holder reports to the Chief Executive, Maria Christofi, and has line management responsibility for staff within the Resources directorate, as well as overall budget responsibility for the directorate. Key accountabilities include leading the council's budget strategy, developing the investment strategy, and client managing shared services arrangements with OneSource. The role also involves leading on the council's climate emergency commitments.

The report pack outlined a proposed timetable for the recruitment process, which included briefing external recruitment consultants Gatenby Sanderson in July 2026, launching the advertising campaign in August 2026, with an application closing date and search ending in September 2026. This would be followed by longlisting and technical interviews in September 2026, leading to a short-list meeting and stakeholder panel. The final appointment sub-committee interview was to be scheduled.

The composition of the Chief Officer Appointment Sub-Committee was also a key discussion point. The report indicated that the Mayor of Newham, Forhad Hussain, would be a standing member, though he could nominate another member to chair the meeting. The quorum for the sub-committee was set at three members. The report emphasised that the sub-committee's composition should be appropriate for the appointment, reflective of the council's guidance on diverse recruitment panels, and subject to rules on political proportionality. It was also noted that at least one substitute member should be provided. The council's guidance on Diverse Recruitment Panels, attached as Appendix B, stresses the importance of panels being ethnically and gender diverse to reduce unconscious bias and promote fairness.

Financial implications included the salary for the Corporate Director of Resources, graded at CD1 with a salary range of £181,872 to £202,470, which was already budgeted for. An estimated recruitment fee of £25,000 plus VAT was also noted, to be borne from the Resources Budget.

The report also touched upon legal implications, stating that the recommendations would align with the Council's Constitution and Officer Employment Procedure Rules, and that all appointments must comply with general employment legislation and the council's recruitment policy. The Section 151 Officer is one of three statutory posts for the council, alongside the Head of Paid Service and the Monitoring Officer. Equalities implications were also addressed, with the committee expected to ensure a fair and equitable recruitment process in compliance with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies and the Equality Act 2010. The council's commitment to Diverse Recruitment Panels was highlighted as a means to ensure a fair and transparent process.