The Human Resources Committee of Havant Borough Council met on 6 October 2025 to discuss the appointment of a new Chief Executive. The committee was scheduled to review the recruitment and selection process, and potentially make a recommendation to the full council. Councillors were also asked to consider excluding the press and public from part of the meeting.

Appointment of the Chief Executive

The main item on the agenda was the appointment of a new Chief Executive for Havant Borough Council. According to the Agenda, the Public Reports Pack included a report outlining the recruitment and selection procedure.

The report noted that an internal campaign had been undertaken to recognise internal talent and aspire for an outcome that achieved internal succession and a smooth handover. The vacancy was advertised internally from 28 August to 14 September 2025, and two applications were received, both from current Executive Heads.

The first stage of the recruitment process consisted of:

• Face-to-face interviews with the incumbent Chief Executive and the Chief Human Resources Officer, David Fairall.
• An Employee Panel
• A Member Panel
• A Stakeholder Panel

The HR Report - Chief Exec stated that feedback from each panel was designed to help the HR Committee and Council understand any perceived strengths and areas for improvement or development to probe at the HR Committee interviews, plus outline any development needs if a candidate is successfully appointed.

The HR Report - Chief Exec stated that, following the interview process, the HR Committee could recommend that full Council appoint a successful candidate to the role of Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service¹. The recommendation was scheduled to be made to the Full Council on 5 November 2025.

The HR Report - Chief Exec also noted that the HR Committee had the option not to appoint any candidate, in which case the Council would commence an external recruitment campaign.

Appendix A of the Public Reports Pack contained the job description for the Chief Executive role. The job purpose was defined as:

Lead and manage the corporate direction of the Council through strategic leadership and vision, enabling the Council to deliver on its political priorities and corporate strategy to enhance the lives of residents, businesses and visitors of Havant.

The Chief Executive is also expected to lead the council through Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

Exclusion of the Press and Public

The Committee was asked to consider a resolution to exclude the public from the meeting during consideration of the item regarding the appointment of the Chief Executive. The reason cited was that the discussion was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information, as defined in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972². These paragraphs relate to information about individuals and information that could reveal their identity.