The Appointment Sub-Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Thursday 10 September 2026. The primary item on the agenda was the shortlisting of candidates for the role of Director of Finance. The meeting was held in private due to the confidential nature of the discussions.

Shortlisting for Director of Finance

The main business scheduled for discussion was the shortlisting of candidates for the permanent position of Director of Finance. The report pack indicated that the executive search consultants, Penna, had prepared a longlisting report with recommendations for which candidates should be shortlisted for the final stage of interviews. The Appointments Sub-Committee was asked to consider this report and agree on the shortlist of candidates to be invited for final interviews.

The report highlighted that interim arrangements were in place for the Director of Finance role, and recruiting permanently was seen as essential for leadership stability and continuity to deliver strategic priorities. The position had been advertised in June 2026, with the advert closing on 24 July 2026. Advertising had been extensive, including on the council's website, Penna's executive search website, and the Municipal Journal, alongside a targeted executive search by Penna.

The report also outlined the reasons for the decision-making process, referencing the terms of reference for the Appointments Sub-Committee, which include making appointments to Chief Officer and Deputy Chief Officer posts. It noted the requirements for the committee's composition, including the need for at least one member of the Executive (Cabinet) and political proportionality, as well as the quorum of at least three members. The report also mentioned that members must have received specific training on recruitment and selection.

Alternative options considered included continuing with interim arrangements, which was not recommended due to the lack of stability and continuity it provided. The report also touched upon equalities implications, stating that the council is committed to achieving a workforce that reflects the community and that all posts are recruited on merit. Statutory implications were also noted, including Best Value, where permanent recruitment was seen as more cost-effective than agency engagement, and Risk Management, where a permanent appointment would enhance leadership stability.

The report included comments from the Chief Finance Officer, confirming that the role of Director of Finance was a permanent position within the Resources Directorate's salary budgets. Legal Services provided comments referencing Section 112 of the Local Government Act 1972, which mandates the appointment of necessary officers, and Section 7 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, stating that all appointments should be on merit. The Officer Employment Procedure Rules in the council's Constitution were also referenced, along with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) Regulations 2001, which require the inclusion of an Executive member on the Appointment Sub-Committee. The report also stressed the importance of complying with the Equality Act 2010, ensuring fair processes and reasonable adjustments.

The agenda also included standard procedural items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and the exclusion of the press and public from the remainder of the meeting due to the exempt and confidential nature of the substantive business. The report pack indicated that the exempt information related to the identity of individuals and the financial or business affairs of particular persons.