The Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee of Camden Council was scheduled to meet on Monday 13 April 2026. The primary focus of the meeting was the final stage of the appointment process for the Director of Economy, Regeneration and Investment. The meeting also included the approval of minutes from previous meetings.

Director of Economy, Regeneration and Investment - Final Member Panel

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider the appointment of a new Director of Economy, Regeneration and Investment. A report from the Director of People and Inclusion provided background on the appointment process for Chief Officer positions. Members were asked to review advice within the report and were to be supplied with candidate applications on a confidential basis. The report outlined the process, which included advertising the role, longlisting, technical interviews, and a members' shortlisting session. It also detailed an upcoming assessment centre involving an Officer Interview Panel and a Partner Panel. The sub-committee was to interview candidates and, if deemed appropriate, recommend an offer of appointment, subject to Cabinet approval, references, and medical checks.

The report highlighted Camden Council's commitment to a representative workforce and its status as a Timewise council, meaning all positions are open to flexible working arrangements unless there is a strong business reason otherwise. It also stated that all members participating in recruitment panels would have received appropriate equalities and unconscious bias training. The cost of the Director of Economy, Regeneration and Investment role was to be met from existing Council resources.

The report also referenced the legal framework for appointing senior staff, including the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) Regulations 2001 and Section 112 of the Local Government Act 1972, which grants the Council the power to appoint necessary officers and set their terms and conditions. It was noted that appointments must be made on merit, with exemptions concerning equality duties.

The sub-committee was to be presented with the role profile for the Director of Economy, Regeneration and Investment, along with candidate CVs and reports from the longlisting and technical interview stages, all of which were exempt from public disclosure.

Minutes of Previous Meetings

The sub-committee was scheduled to approve and sign the minutes from two previous meetings held on Monday, 9 March 2026. The minutes from the 1pm meeting indicated that Councillor Richard Olszewski was elected Chair, apologies were received, and no declarations of interest were made. The meeting also noted the process for the recruitment of the Director of Economy, Regeneration and Investment, with five candidates recommended for final interviews. The minutes from the 2.45pm meeting also saw Councillor Richard Olszewski elected as Chair, with all members present and no declarations of interest. This meeting noted the process for the appointment of the Executive Director Corporate Services, with four candidates recommended for the final shortlist.

In both instances, the press and public were to be excluded from proceedings during the consideration of specific agenda items due to the potential disclosure of exempt information relating to individuals, as defined by Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.