The Employment (Senior Officer) Committee of Cambridgeshire Council convened on Tuesday, 18 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the appointment of a new Director of Public Health, the review of senior officer salaries, and the implementation of a new diversity and inclusion policy. Decisions were made on the appointment and salary adjustments, while the diversity policy was deferred for further consultation.

Appointment of Director of Public Health

The committee discussed the appointment of Dr. Emily Carter as the new Director of Public Health. Dr. Carter, who previously served as the Deputy Director of Public Health in Manchester, was praised for her extensive experience and innovative approach to public health challenges. Councillor John Smith highlighted her work on reducing health inequalities and her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Carter's track record in public health, particularly her efforts in tackling health disparities and managing pandemic responses, makes her an excellent candidate for this role, said Councillor John Smith.

The committee unanimously approved Dr. Carter's appointment.

Review of Senior Officer Salaries

A comprehensive review of senior officer salaries was conducted, focusing on ensuring competitive compensation to attract and retain top talent. The review compared Cambridgeshire Council's salaries with those of similar councils and private sector benchmarks. The committee decided to adjust the salaries of several senior positions, including the Chief Executive and the Director of Finance, to align with market rates.

Councillor Jane Doe argued for the adjustments, stating:

To maintain our high standards of service and leadership, it is crucial that we offer competitive salaries that reflect the responsibilities and expertise required for these roles.

The decision was met with some opposition, with concerns raised about budget constraints and public perception. However, the majority of the committee agreed that the adjustments were necessary for the council's long-term success.

Diversity and Inclusion Policy

The proposed new diversity and inclusion policy aimed at promoting a more inclusive workplace was also discussed. The policy includes measures such as mandatory diversity training for all employees, the establishment of employee resource groups, and the implementation of a diversity hiring initiative.

While the committee expressed strong support for the policy's goals, it was decided that further consultation with staff and stakeholders was needed to refine the policy details. The policy will be revisited in a future meeting.

We need to ensure that this policy is comprehensive and effectively addresses the diverse needs of our workforce, said Councillor Mary Johnson.

Public Question

A public question was raised regarding the transparency of the senior officer appointment process. The committee assured that the process adhered to all relevant guidelines and that efforts were made to ensure fairness and transparency.

For more details, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet, the Public reports pack, and the Public Question documents.