The Appointments Sub-Committee was scheduled to meet on Thursday 23 April 2026 to discuss the shortlisting process for the Director of Adult Social Care position. The meeting's agenda included the election of a chair, declarations of interest, and the potential exclusion of the press and public for a specific agenda item.

Director of Adult Social Care: Shortlisting

The primary item scheduled for discussion was the recruitment process for the Director of Adult Social Care. This role is described as pivotal in shaping and delivering the council's ambition to build a borough that is fairer, greener, and safer, where everyone can thrive. The Director of Adult Social Care will hold statutory responsibilities and is expected to lead service transformation, enhance prevention and integrated care, and champion a values-driven culture. The report pack outlined the process for appointment, which included executive search conducted by Gatenby Sanderson, longlisting by the Chief Executive, and technical interviews.

The report pack recommended several actions for the committee to consider:

• To note the process for appointment to the post of Director of Adult Social Care.
• To note the job details for the post, as detailed in the Job Description Director of Adult Social Care.
• To provide observations on the recommendations for the shortlist from the search agent and agree the final shortlist.
• To agree the date for the final interview.
• To agree the candidate presentation topic and final interview questions.

The funding for the Director of Adult Social Care post was noted as £141,000 per annum, with on-costs bringing the total to £189,000. The report also detailed the legal framework governing the appointment of senior staff, referencing the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the Council's Constitution. The timetable for the recruitment process was also provided, indicating that the sub-committee's shortlisting meeting was scheduled for 23 April 2026, with final interviews planned for 29 April 2026.

The role of Director of Adult Social Care is a statutory position, requiring the post holder to lead and deliver adult social care services, ensure compliance with legal and statutory standards, and promote best practice. The role also encompasses safeguarding adults, as defined in the Care Act 2014¹, and working with partners to advance adult social care, safeguarding, and community wellbeing. The job description highlights the importance of ensuring the voice of people with lived experience is central to the council's approach.

The report also outlined the core values and behaviours expected of leaders within Lambeth Council, including equity, justice, accountability, and ambition. These values are intended to guide decision-making, team management, and service delivery, with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and resident-centred approaches. The position is identified as politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.