The Chief Officers' Employment Panel of Harrow Council met on Wednesday 20 March 2024 to approve recruitment processes and remuneration packages for key senior roles. Decisions made included the approval of the recruitment process and salary for the Director of Finance and Assurance (Section 151 Officer) and the remuneration package for the Assistant Director of Homes. The panel also approved a severance package exceeding £100,000 and appointed a new Director of Legal and Governance Services.

Recruitment of the Director of Finance and Assurance (Section 151 Officer)

The panel approved the recruitment process and remuneration package for the Director of Finance and Assurance (Section 151 Officer) post. This statutory role is crucial for the council's financial management and governance. The proposed salary for the role is £132,168 - £145,575, which falls within the D3 pay grade. The recruitment process will involve advertising the post for three weeks, followed by shortlisting by a panel including the Managing Director and an external specialist, with the final interview and appointment decision made by the Chief Officers' Employment Panel. The previous permanent post holder resigned in August 2023, and an interim arrangement has been in place since then. The role is budgeted for and is part of the council's establishment, with an estimated cost of £180,211 - £198,564 including on-costs. The report highlighted that the postholder is responsible for overseeing a gross revenue budget of £639m and a capital budget of approximately £49m for 2024/25. The role also manages a Finance Team budget of £2.5m and the Local Government Pension Fund with net assets of £955m.

Approval of Remuneration Package for Assistant Director of Homes

The panel approved the remuneration package for the newly created Assistant Director of Homes role within the Place Directorate. This role is considered business-critical and is a result of a restructure aimed at meeting new regulatory requirements, particularly those outlined in the Social Housing Act (July 2023). The Assistant Director of Homes will be responsible for all aspects of the council's housing stock, with a significant emphasis on health and safety compliance and capital works. The remuneration package for this role is in line with the evaluated grade of D1, with a salary range of £94,902 to £111,474. The report indicated that the costs of this new role will be offset by savings from elsewhere in the housing restructure, with an overall saving to the Housing Revenue Account forecast at approximately £100,000. The post holder will lead on property-related matters, ensuring homes are safe and meet new housing standards, and will oversee three reporting roles: Mechanical and Electrical Manager, Planned Investment, Repairs and Adaptations Lead, and Housing Investment Lead.

Severance Package of £100,000 or Greater

The panel resolved to approve a severance payment of greater than £100,000. This decision was made following the review of a confidential report. The specific details of the severance package were not disclosed in the public minutes, as the item was discussed with the press and public excluded.

Appointment of the Director of Legal and Governance Services

The panel unanimously resolved to appoint Jessica Farmer to the post of Director of Legal and Governance Services and Monitoring Officer for the London Borough of Harrow. Ms. Farmer is currently the Interim Director of Legal and Governance Services and Monitoring Officer. The appointment is subject to no material or well-founded objection from members of the Cabinet. The remuneration package for this post was set at £132,168 per annum, corresponding to D3 spinal point 1. The panel had interviewed two candidates for the position after one applicant withdrew.