The Chief Officers' Employment Panel of Harrow Council met on Wednesday 19 March 2025 to discuss the recruitment processes for two senior roles within the council. The panel was scheduled to consider the recruitment of a Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration and an Assistant Director of Internal Audit and Corporate Anti-Fraud.

Recruitment of the Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration

The panel was scheduled to receive a report from the Managing Director, Alex Dewsnap, outlining the recruitment process for the Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration. This role, established in 2024 as part of a restructuring of the Place Directorate, reports to the Managing Director and is a Chief Officer position under Article 7 of the council's constitution. The postholder is responsible for a wide range of strategic areas including Housing Strategy, Regeneration Strategy, Climate Change Strategy, and the Local Plan. The report detailed that the post would be advertised for three weeks, with a panel chaired by the Managing Director shortlisting candidates, followed by interviews conducted by the Chief Officers' Employment Panel. The recommended salary for this position is between £135,474 and £149,217. The report was provided for information, and the panel was requested to note the recruitment process and remuneration package for advertising.

Assistant Director of Internal Audit and Corporate Anti-Fraud

A report from the Director of Finance, Sharon Daniels, was scheduled to be presented regarding the Assistant Director of Internal Audit and Corporate Anti-Fraud. This report outlined the results of a job evaluation exercise and sought retrospective approval for the salary package of this role, graded at D1, with a salary range of £97,275 to £114,261. The role is considered essential for providing strategic leadership in internal audit, counter fraud, and corporate risk management, ensuring compliance with regulations such as the Accounts & Audit Regulations 2011 and Public Sector Internal Audit Standards. The Chief Officers' Employment Panel has delegated powers to approve remuneration packages of £100,000 or over, making this item relevant for their consideration. The report indicated that the post was created as part of a restructure in August 2024.

The meeting was scheduled to begin with noting membership and declarations of interest, followed by the confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting on 13 February 2025.