Agenda, decisions and minutes

Items which in the opinion of the Chair should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

There was no item raised as a matter of urgency.

Officers to report on the process for attracting suitable candidates for the above post.

The Committee noted that recruitment process for the Chief Executive position would commence under Part 2 legislation.

Recommendation: that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of the Act namely relating to any individual and information likely to reveal the identity of an individual and in accordance with Section 36 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, by virtue of the fact that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

RESOLVED that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of the Act namely relating to any individual and information likely to reveal the identity of an individual and in accordance with Section 36 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, by virtue of the fact that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

It was MOVED by Councillor Hart, SECONDED by Councillor Saywell, and

RESOLVED that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of the Act namely relating to any individual and information likely to reveal the identity of an individual and in accordance with Section 36 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, by virtue of the fact that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

To interview shortlisted candidates and, if possible, make a recommendation upon an appropriate appointment to the next meeting of the County Council.

Papers attached included:

·         A Report summarising the recruitment and assessment process to date, including a summary of the candidates performance and career history. The Report also provides information on the assessment process and timetable for the next stages; and

·         Chief Executive Job Description

RESOLVED that the Council be recommended to appoint Donna Manson to the post of Chief Executive of Devon County Council on grade L0, commencing at the earliest opportunity on a mutually convenient date, in line with the provisions of the Council’s existing approved Pay Policy Statement, nem con.

The Committee had, earlier in the day, interviewed four candidates for the post of Chief Executive of Devon County Council with a view to making a recommendation upon an appropriate appointment to the County Council on 8 December 2022.

The process had been undertaken in line with the terms of reference of the Appointments, Remuneration and Chief Officer Conduct Committee, the Pay Policy Statement and the Chief Officer Employment Procedure Rules (set out at Part 6 of the Constitution).

The interviews having been completed and the suitability of the candidates for the post having been fully discussed and all relevant factors having been considered, such as the high level and breadth of experience and responsibility required for this crucial role and the Committee then being of the view that the press and public need no longer be excluded from the meeting for final determination of its recommendation to the County Council:

It was RESOLVED that the press and public be now re-admitted to the meeting.

It was further MOVED by Councillor Hart, SECONDED by Councillor Brazil, and

RESOLVED that the Council be recommended to appoint Donna Manson to the post of Chief Executive of Devon County Council on grade L0, commencing at the earliest opportunity on a mutually convenient date, in line with the provisions of the Council’s existing approved Pay Policy Statement, nem con.