The Senior Appointments Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Friday 23 May 2025 to discuss a single agenda item. The main item for discussion was the appointment of a Director of Public Health. The meeting was scheduled to begin with standard housekeeping items.

Appointment of Director of Public Health

The Senior Appointments Committee was scheduled to consider the appointment to the statutory chief officer role of Director of Public Health (DPH).

The report pack stated that the appointment would be made in compliance with the council's constitution, specifically section 9.5 Staff Employment Rules. The rules state that:

Where the Council proposes to appoint a Chief Officer (statutory or non-statutory) or a Deputy Chief Officer, then: (a) the Senior Appointments Committee shall oversee the arrangements for filling the vacancy of a Chief Officer; (b) the appropriate Chief Officer (statutory or non-statutory) shall be responsible for the appointment of a Deputy Chief Officer.

The Senior Appointments Committee was expected to consider the appointment of the DPH, and if the panel decided that there was no suitable candidate, the post would have to be re-advertised.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The agenda included a motion to exclude the press and public from the meeting. This was because the agenda contained information that is exempt under Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972¹.