The Chief Officers' Employment Panel of Harrow Council was scheduled to discuss proposed senior management restructures within two directorates and the appointment of a new Director of Children's Services. The meeting agenda indicated that decisions would be sought regarding remuneration packages for newly created senior roles and the potential deletion of existing positions.

Senior Management Restructure, Culture, Environment & Economy

A report was scheduled for discussion concerning a proposed restructure within the Culture, Environment & Economy (CEE) directorate. The report outlined plans to create two new Assistant Director roles: Assistant Director of Culture, Leisure and Learning, and Assistant Director of Traffic, Highways & Parking Services. It was recommended that the panel approve the remuneration packages for these positions, which were proposed to be at a D1 grade, with salaries ranging from £100,389 to £117,918. The report also noted the proposed deletion of the vacant Director of Inclusive Economy, Culture and Leisure (D2) post and the occupied Strategic Head of Traffic, Highways & Asset Management (MG5) position. As part of the restructure, the CEE directorate was proposed to be renamed Environment and Culture. The report indicated that these changes were subject to consultation and alignment with the council's policies on organisational change.

The proposed changes aimed to consolidate related activities within the Inclusive Economy, Leisure and Culture division, transferring functions such as Parks Policy and Community Engagement to Environmental Operations, Parks & Open Spaces. Digital Infrastructure was proposed to move to Corporate IT, and Economic Development and NCIL Administration to Regeneration. This realignment was intended to reduce duplication, clarify decision rights, and strengthen delivery against priorities in environment, community wellbeing, digital transformation, and economic growth.

Housing and Regeneration Property Division Senior Management Restructure

The panel was also scheduled to consider a report on a proposed permanent senior management structure for the Housing & Regeneration Directorate. The report recommended approving remuneration packages for the post of Assistant Director of Property & Asset Strategy, a D1 grade role with a salary range of £100,389 to £108,213. It was noted that the vacant role of Director of Regeneration and Sustainable Development (D2 grade) was proposed for deletion, resulting in an annual saving of £31,462. The report also outlined future aspirations for an enhanced senior management team up to MG4 grade, which would form Phase 2 of the restructure. These indicative roles included Head of Operations & Compliance, Head of Estates Corporate Portfolio, Head of Estates Commercial Portfolio, and Senior Project Managers.

The restructure aimed to strengthen the Housing and Regeneration Team by addressing capacity and leadership gaps. The Assistant Director of Property & Asset Strategy would be responsible for leading and integrating the Estates and Capital Maintenance functions, overseeing the long-term strategic optimisation of the council's physical estate. This role would act as the Strategic Client, commissioning the Head of Operations & Compliance to deliver day-to-day service excellence and safety standards. The report highlighted that while Phase 1 of the restructure delivered a net saving, the indicative Phase 2 proposals would increase the overall cost of the Senior Management structure, but this was expected to be offset by income generation and efficiencies.

Appointment of the Director of Children's Services

The panel was scheduled to consider the appointment of a Director of Children's Services. This item was to be discussed in private, with the press and public excluded from the meeting, as it involved information relating to individuals. The agenda stated that the panel would consider making an appointment to this post following the interview of shortlisted candidates.