The Appointments Panel of Greenwich Council met on Thursday, 16 April 2026, to discuss the shortlist of applicants for the Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development position. The meeting was scheduled to consider this key appointment, with the press and public initially permitted to observe.

Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development

The primary item scheduled for discussion was the determination of the shortlist of applicants for the role of Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development. This position is a Chief Officer C grade role within the Resources Directorate, reporting to the Director of Resources. The job description outlines that the post holder will provide leadership on all aspects of people and organisational change practice to enable the Council to attract, recruit, and retain the necessary workforce for the future and to deliver effective outcomes for the borough.

Key responsibilities for this role include leading the development and implementation of the Workforce Strategy, providing strategic leadership and insight on organisational development, transformational change, employee engagement, well-being, HR policies, employee relations, culture, and effective management and development practices. The Director will also act as the Council's ambassador and specialist for HR and OD services, providing expert advice to the Chief Executive, Director of Resources, Greenwich Management Team, the Leader, and Cabinet Members.

The role requires significant experience in leading HR and Organisational Development in a large, complex, and unionised environment, with a proven track record in leading cultural change and developing strategies to support a skilled, motivated, and committed workforce. Essential requirements include a Graduate Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development or an equivalent degree, up-to-date knowledge of employment legislation, and in-depth understanding of the public sector environment. The job description also highlights the need for excellent written and oral communication, influencing, and negotiation skills, as well as strong analytical and organisational abilities.

The meeting was scheduled to be held in Room 23 of the Town Hall, Wellington Street, Woolwich SE18 6PW. The agenda also included standard procedural items such as apologies for absence, urgent business, and declarations of interest. A significant part of the agenda involved a discussion on the exclusion of the press and public to hold the remainder of the meeting in closed session.