Content

To approve the temporary designation of the
statutory role of Director of Children’s Services (DCS) to
the post of Chief Executive

Reasons for the decision

The designation of the statutory role of
Director of Children’s Services (DCS) is held by Corporate
Director, Children and Education.

Following the resignation of the current postholder and pending the
return of the incoming postholder following a period of maternity
leave, there will be a short period during which the role will be
vacant, during which the designation of DCS needs to be temporarily
assigned.

I have therefore approved the temporary designation of the
statutory role of Director of Children’s Services (DCS) to
the role of Chief Executive for the period 12 September 2025
– 22 September 2025.

This decision will be reported to the next meeting of Full
Council.

I confirm that in making this decision I have considered the
following in line with Wiltshire Council’s
Constitution:

Key decision requirements: Y

Views of relevant cabinet member(s), committee chairman, area
board(s):Y

Consultation with cabinet member(s), the Leader and Scrutiny (for
Executive decisions taken under Emergency Powers): Y

Consultation in accordance with the council’s consultation
guidance and the views emanating from that process: Y

Implication of any council policy, initiative, strategy or
procedure:

Staffing, financial and legal implications: Y

The assessment of any associated risks in accordance with the
Council’s risk management strategy: Y

Involvement of appropriate statutory officers and/or corporate
directors and directors: Not applicable

Regional or national guidance from other bodies where relevant: Y
(DFE)

The council’s constitution, including the Procurement and
Contract Rules (Part 10) and the Financial Regulations and
Procedure Rules (Part 9), all relevant guidance, legislation, codes
of practice, and protocols: Y

Alternative options considered

The Council must have a designated DCS in
place in line with DfE statutory guidance. This guidance states
“The DCS should report directly to the Chief Executive, so it
is not appropriate for the Chief Executive also to hold the
statutory role of DCS (except possibly as a temporary measure
whilst the Council actively takes steps to fill a vacant DCS post
and an alternative interim DCS appointment is not considered
appropriate.)”

Consideration was given to designating the role downwards but given
the it is a very short period of time and the fact that the Chief
Executive held the role of DCS in her previous post this was deemed
the most appropriate approach for this short period.