The Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee of Camden Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 10 February 2026. The primary focus of the meeting will be the appointment of a new Director of Development and Corporate Property.

Director of Development and Corporate Property Appointment

A key item on the agenda is the final member panel for the appointment of the Director of Development and Corporate Property. This role is crucial in delivering Camden's We Make Camden vision, which aims to put power into the hands of communities and foster collaboration. The Director will lead significant programmes, including the Community Investment Programme (CIP), which has already delivered over 2,000 homes and invested £1 billion into housing and community infrastructure. The role also involves managing commercial and corporate property portfolios, generating approximately £23.5 million annually, and overseeing facilities management with a £20 million budget.

The report for this item, prepared by the Director of People and Inclusion, provides background on the appointment process and practices for Chief Officer positions. Members are advised to consider the information within the report and seek further advice if needed. The report notes that applications will be supplied to members on a confidential basis. It is recommended that one candidate be interviewed for the position. The report also outlines the process to date, which has included advertising the role, longlisting, technical interviews, shortlisting by members, and an assessment centre with an officer and partner panel. The successful candidate's appointment will be subject to no well-founded objections from Members of the Cabinet, reference checks, and medical assessments.

The Council's commitment to a representative workforce is highlighted, with Camden publishing detailed data on gender, ethnicity, and disability pay gaps. As a Timewise council, all positions are open to flexible working arrangements unless there is a business reason otherwise. Furthermore, all members participating in recruitment panels will have received training on equalities and unconscious bias to ensure the process is free from discrimination. The cost of this appointment will be met from existing Council resources.

The report also details the legal framework governing such appointments, referencing the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) Regulations 2001 and Section 112 of the Local Government Act 1972, which grants the Council the power to appoint necessary officers and set their terms and conditions. It is emphasised that any appointment must be made on merit, in line with the Council's equality duties.

The meeting will also include standard procedural items such as the election of a Chair, apologies, declarations of interest, and the approval of minutes from previous meetings held on 24 October 2025, 19 November 2025, and 12 January 2026. It is noted that part of the meeting, specifically the discussion of the Director of Development and Corporate Property appointment, may be held in private due to the potential disclosure of exempt information relating to individuals, as defined by Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.