The Appointments Panel of Haringey Council was scheduled to consider a proposed fixed-term appointment for the Director of Schools and Learning. The meeting's agenda also included standard procedural items.

Fixed Term Appointment to the Post of Director of Schools and Learning

The panel was scheduled to discuss a proposal for a direct fixed-term appointment to the role of Director of Schools and Learning. This followed two unsuccessful permanent recruitment campaigns for the position. The report pack indicated that a candidate with suitable experience and leadership capabilities had been identified, but due to the closure of the recruitment campaign, a standard executive recruitment process could not be followed.

The report pack outlined that the candidate had undergone a formal panel interview with senior officers, including Ann Graham, Corporate Director of Children's Services, and Jane Edwards, the current Director of Schools and Learning. The candidate also met with Councillor Peray Ahmet, Leader of the Council, and the Chief Executive to discuss strategic leadership alignment.

The proposed appointment is for an initial period of 12 months, with an option to extend for a further 12 months. This approach was presented as a pragmatic and cost-effective solution to ensure leadership stability within the Children's Services department, particularly given the resignation of the current postholder. The report pack noted that securing an interim agency arrangement would incur higher costs and reduce organisational certainty.

The proposed salary for the role was indicated to fall within the Council's HB1 pay band, which ranges from £115,794 to £134,352. The report pack sought approval for the direct appointment, the terms of the fixed-term contract, and delegated authority to the Director of Children's Services to agree the salary point and contract extensions up to a maximum of two years. The report also highlighted that any appointment would be made on merit, in accordance with Section 7 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

The meeting was also scheduled to consider exempt information relating to this appointment, as detailed in agenda item 8. This was to be discussed in private session, with the press and public excluded, as the information was defined as relating to an individual and likely to reveal their identity under the Local Government Act 1972.