Agenda item

That the contents of the report be noted.

The Lead Member for Customer Services, Procurement & Performance introduced a report that updated the Cabinet on the steps taken by the Council since 1^st September 2022 when Commissioners were given new reserve powers to appoint to the top three tiers of SBC management.

It was acknowledged that the Council’s initial response to the direction was not sufficient in quality or pace and the steps undertaken to address this were detailed.  The Chief Executive and Executive Director posts were all now fully recruited to with permanent appointments made in line with the procedure rules set out in the Constitution.  Commissioners had been directly involved in the recruitment processes for these posts.  Other actions taken included ensuring Commissioners were appropriately involved in future recruitments by strengthening the recruitment control process for posts covered by the direction and work to make improvements to the HR function and practice across the organisation.

The Cabinet welcomed the recent progress that had been made and confirmed its commitment to demonstrating the Council was effectively responding to the recruitment direction.  The report would also be considered by the Employment & Appeals Committee to ensure wider Member oversight of process.  At the conclusion of the discussion the report was noted.

Noting the fact that two of the Commissioners, Max Caller and Margaret Lee had recently left their roles with SBC, the Leader placed on record his thanks for the contribution they had made to the Council’s recovery and improvement since December 2021 and stated that Members looked forward to working with any new commissioners appointed in the future.

Resolved –  That the contents of the report be noted.