The Chief Officers' Employment Panel of Harrow Council met on Wednesday 11 December 2024 and appointed a new Director of Public Health. The panel also noted the recruitment process for a Strategic Director of Corporate Resources and Innovation.

Appointment of Director of Public Health

The panel unanimously resolved to offer the position of Director of Public Health to Laurence Gibson. Mr. Gibson is currently the Deputy Director and Consultant in Public Health at the London Borough of Harrow. The offered salary is £121,320, which aligns with the terms and conditions for Chief Officer posts. This appointment is subject to there being no material and well-founded objections from members of the Executive. The decision followed interviews with two candidates.

Recruitment of a Strategic Director

The panel received a report detailing the recruitment process for the Strategic Director of Corporate Resources and Innovation. The Managing Director provided background information on the role, noting minor changes and outlining its areas of responsibility. It was confirmed that suitably qualified internal candidates would be considered first, with an external recruitment process to commence if no suitable internal applicants were found. Clarification was sought regarding which portfolio areas the role would primarily fall under, and it was advised that while several portfolios were involved, the majority of the role would focus on Performance, Communications, and Customer Experience. The panel resolved to note the recruitment process and the report.

The meeting was attended by Councillor Paul Osborn (Chair), Councillor David Ashton, Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Councillor Jean Lammiman, and Councillor David Perry. Councillor Natasha Proctor sent apologies.