The Appointments Sub-Committee of Lambeth Council was scheduled to convene on Wednesday 29 April 2026. The primary item on the agenda was the interview process for the Director of Adult Social Care position.

Director of Adult Social Care Interviews

The meeting was scheduled to focus on the recruitment process for the Director of Adult Social Care. The report pack outlined the procedures for appointing to this senior role, which is crucial for delivering adult social care services in Lambeth. The role carries a salary of approximately £141,000 per annum, with an estimated annual budget of £189,000 including on-costs.

The report detailed the steps taken in the recruitment process, including executive search conducted by Gatenby Sanderson, longlisting by the Corporate Director: Integrated Health and Adult Social Care, and technical interviews. The Appointments Sub-Committee had previously met on 23 April 2026 to shortlist candidates. The scheduled meeting on 29 April 2026 was to include final interviews for the position.

The report highlighted that the Director of Adult Social Care role is a statutory position, with responsibilities including ensuring services meet legal and statutory standards, promoting best practice, and safeguarding adults as defined by the Care Act 2014. The role also involves overseeing sanctuary services for individuals seeking refuge in Lambeth. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the strategic direction of the council, as outlined in the Lambeth 2030 Borough Plan, which aims to create a fairer, greener, and safer borough.

The report also noted that the position is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The recruitment process is designed to comply with the Council's Constitution and the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) Regulations 2001. The report recommended that the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting to allow for the discussion of exempt information, likely relating to candidate details, as per Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. The committee was scheduled to conduct interviews and submit a recommendation to the Full Council for approval.

The report pack also included a detailed job description and person specification for the Director of Adult Social Care, outlining the required knowledge, experience, and qualifications. Key knowledge areas included in-depth understanding of adult social care services, relevant legislation, and health and care strategic planning. Essential experience included substantial senior operational experience within Adult Social Care, a track record of delivering services in a partnership environment, and significant experience in leading organisational change. A Social Work Qualification and registration with Social Work England were listed as essential qualifications. The core values and behaviours expected of the role were also detailed, emphasizing equity, kindness, accountability, and ambition.

The report also referenced the council's commitment to social justice and tackling inequality, as set out in the Lambeth 2030 Borough Plan and the One Lambeth way of working. The importance of inclusive leadership, collaboration, and improving outcomes for residents was stressed. The report indicated that the funding for the post is allocated through the Corporate Director: Integrated Health and Adult Social Care's cost centre.

The timetable for the recruitment process indicated that following the interviews on 29 April 2026, a Well Founded Objection process would commence on 30 April 2026, concluding on 5 May 2026. If this process was successfully completed, approval would be sought from the Full Council, after which a conditional offer would be made to the successful candidate.