The Chief Officers Employment Committee of Cornwall Council met on Thursday 13 November 2025 to discuss the recruitment of a new Chief Operating Officer (Section 151 Officer). The committee was also scheduled to review the minutes of previous meetings held on 11 July 2025 and 21 July 2025.

Recruitment of Chief Operating Officer (Section 151 Officer)

The committee was scheduled to discuss the recruitment of a permanent Chief Operating Officer, who also fulfils the role of Section 151 Officer¹. The report pack recommended that the committee approve the proposed arrangements, process, and timescale for the recruitment. Following the resignation of the current Chief Operating Officer, a tendering process led to the appointment of Penna plc to manage the executive search campaign. The advertisement for the role closed on 9 November 2025, and the Chief Officers Employment Committee was scheduled to consider the applications received.

The committee was asked to approve a longlist of applicants to proceed to the next phase of selection, based on a confidential review of their applications. According to the report pack, the selection process must adhere to employment legislation, Cornwall Council's procedures, and legal requirements related to equalities and data protection. The report pack also stated that appointments must be made on merit, avoiding any form of discrimination, and that the council has a legal obligation to appoint a Section 151 Officer.

The report pack noted the financial implications of the recruitment process, stating that the costs would be covered from the corporate items budget. It also confirmed that the Chief Operating Officer role is already budgeted for and would not create additional budget pressures.

The report pack stated that the proposed arrangements aim to mitigate risks to the council's senior leadership and service delivery, and to strengthen senior leadership capability.

Minutes from Previous Meetings

The committee was scheduled to review and approve the minutes from the meetings held on 11 July 2025 and 21 July 2025.