Appointments committee meet regarding recruitment of new Chief Executive

Members of the Rochdale Council Appointments Committee for met this evening (Monday 14 July) to discuss recruiting and appointing a new Chief Executive.

A report to the committee asks them to seek agreement on the key aspects and arrangements for the recruitment of the Chief Executive/Head of Paid Services. Members are asked to consider and agree the timetable for the recruitment process to be undertaken.

It is understood that the council plans to appoint a new Chief Executive in the autumn. Jim Taylor, the council’s former Chief Executive left the role in May. Linda Fisher was appointed as the acting Chief Executive in June and will continue in the role until a recruitment process is completed.

The position of Chief Executive/Head of Paid Services will be advertised within the pay scale of £126,250 to £131,300 as detailed in the Council’s Pay Policy Statement 2014.

It is not proposed in the report that the committee seek wider consultation on the recommendations other than with members of the Appointment Committee. It is understood that the Leadership Team has been provided with an update on progress in relation to the recruitment and appointment and will be kept informed.

At this evenings meeting, members were asked to discuss and consider the qualities, attributes and experience they would wish to see in the person appointed as Chief Executive/Head of Paid Services. This will ensure that the job description and person specification accurately reflect the criteria for the recruitment and selection process.

The report also stated that during all stages of the recruitment, it is essential that the Council is able to show the borough in a positive light to reflect the image that the Council wants to portray.

Prospective candidates will be provided with a range of recruitment literature, accompanying information and it is proposed that candidates
develop a micro-website which will be a further opportunity to promote the Council and the Borough.

Members of the committee will also be asked to consider elements including executive search, job description and person specification, advertisement strategy, technical advisor to the panel, long listing and assessment centre, lunch with the candidates and timeframe for recruitment.

Funding has been identified within the 2014/15 Leadership Team budget to cover the potential costs associated with the recruitment process.

The filling of the Chief Executive post was approved at a Council meeting on Wednesday 4 June and it was also agreed that the Appointments Committee should be delegated to agree and undertake all aspects of the recruitment.

In accordance with the Council’s Officer Employment Procedure Rules (OEPR) following the completion of the recruitment process the Council shall approve the appointment of the Chief Executive on the recommendation of the Appointment Committee.