The Chief Officer Appointment Committee of Newham Council met on Friday 19 June 2026 to discuss the recruitment processes for two key senior roles: the Director of Public Health and the Chief Executive. The meeting's agenda focused on establishing the committees and processes for appointing individuals to these permanent positions.

Director of Public Health Appointment

The committee was scheduled to consider the establishment of a joint Chief Officer Appointment Sub-Committee and Appointments Advisory Committee to oversee the recruitment of a new Director of Public Health. The report pack indicated that the previously shortlisted candidates from a May 2026 interview process were to be re-interviewed. This followed an objection raised against the initial recruitment process, which was found to be well-founded by the Council's Monitoring Officer, preventing the appointment from proceeding.

The role of the Director of Public Health is a statutory chief officer position, responsible for advising the council on all health matters. This role holds professional accountability to the Newham Health and Wellbeing Board, the Chief Executive, and the Secretary of State for Health. Managerially, the Director of Public Health reports to the Corporate Director of Adults and Health. The recruitment process is guided by the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) and requires the establishment of an Appointments Advisory Committee, which typically includes representation from the FPH, Public Health England, and the NHS. The report highlighted the importance of a fair and equitable recruitment process, in line with the Council's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies and the Equality Act 2010, particularly given Newham's diverse population.

Chief Executive and Head of Paid Services Appointment

The committee was also set to discuss the recruitment and appointment to the permanent position of Chief Executive and Head of Paid Services. The report recommended that the Chief Officer Appointment Committee appoint themselves as a Sub-Committee to undertake this process, with their recommendation then to be presented to the full Council for approval.

The role of Chief Executive and Head of Paid Services has been covered on an interim basis since July 2025. The recruitment process for the permanent role began in March 2026, with an external recruitment agency, Gatenby Sanderson, engaged to support the process. The role involves providing corporate and strategic leadership, overseeing the delivery of the Council's key priorities, and ensuring the Council operates lawfully and efficiently. As Head of Paid Services, the Chief Executive holds a statutory position under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The recruitment timetable included stages such as advertising, longlisting, technical and psychometric assessments, stakeholder panels, and final interviews, with the final interview panel scheduled for the day of the meeting. The report also emphasised the importance of diverse recruitment panels, as outlined in Appendix C of the report pack, to ensure fairness and reduce unconscious bias. The Chief Executive also holds statutory responsibilities as the Returning Officer for elections and the Electoral Registration Officer.

The meeting also included standard procedural items such as apologies for absence and declarations of interest, as well as a discussion regarding the exclusion of the press and public under the Local Government Act 1972.