The Appointments Committee of Merton Council met on Tuesday 19 November 2024 to discuss the appointment of a Director of Digital Innovation. The committee recommended that Full Council agree to the salary package for this role and delegated authority for minor job description amendments and the recruitment process implementation.

Appointment of Director of Digital Innovation

The committee recommended that Full Council approve the salary package for the Director of Digital Innovation role. This position is crucial for the council's transformation and modernisation efforts, aiming to deliver a cutting-edge IT service and develop a digital strategy. The role, currently held on a fixed-term contract due to expire in March 2025, requires a permanent replacement to ensure continuity.

The proposed salary range for the Director of Digital Innovation is £111,510 to £119,229 per annum, with an additional market supplement of up to £23,681, bringing the total maximum salary package to £142,910 per annum. This is justified by comparator salaries, the demand for expertise in this field, and the transferability of skills across sectors.

The committee also delegated authority to the Executive Director of Finance & Digital, in consultation with the Chair of the Appointments Committee, Councillor Ross Garrod, to amend the Job Description for the post, provided these amendments do not alter the salary range. Furthermore, the implementation of the recruitment process for this role was delegated to the Executive Director of Finance & Digital, also in consultation with Councillor Garrod.

The Executive Director of Finance & Digital, Asad Mushtaq, presented the report, highlighting the importance of cyber security and noting that the role's salary is within the existing financial envelope. He also mentioned that Merton Council is part of LOTI (London's local government digital collaboration), which facilitates learning from best practices across the 33 London Boroughs. The final decision on the salary package will be made by Full Council on 20 November 2024.

The report links this appointment to Merton's strategic priorities, including Borough of Sport, Civic Pride, and Sustainable Futures, stating that permanent recruitment to this senior role is vital for achieving the council's strategic objectives. The role's main purpose is to lead the council's digital transformation, improve resident and business interaction with the council through technology, and ensure robust cyber security. The job description outlines key duties such as developing a digital strategy, leading IT and Digital services, and advising on IT and digital transformation agendas.

The committee noted that there were no apologies for absence and no declarations of pecuniary interest. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 8 May 2024 were agreed as an accurate record.