The Members' Staffing Panel of Bexley Council met on Thursday 9 July 2026. The primary focus of the meeting was the appointment of a new Director of Place, a senior role within the council. Discussions also included guidance on declarations of interest for councillors.

Appointment of Director of Place

The panel was scheduled to consider the appointment of a Director of Place, a role that became vacant in May 2026. This position reports directly to the Chief Executive and is responsible for leading the physical, environmental, economic, and social regeneration of the borough. The Director of Place is tasked with shaping the conditions for sustainable growth, supporting local businesses, attracting investment, and expanding skills and employment opportunities for residents. The role also involves ensuring services are designed around residents' needs, fostering community relationships, and embedding sustainability across council services.

The recruitment process involved engaging Solace in Business, recruitment consultants, to assist in identifying candidates. The role was advertised nationally through various channels, including the Municipal Journal, the council's recruitment website, and social media platforms. A total of 44 applications were received, with 7 candidates initially longlisted and invited to a technical interview on 17 June 2026. Following this, three applicants were shortlisted to attend the Members' Staffing Panel, a Stakeholder's Panel, and a Residents' Panel on 9 July 2026. The Members' Staffing Panel was to be the final stage of the selection process.

The report pack outlined the terms of appointment, which would be in accordance with the council's Pay Policy for senior roles. The grade for the position was set at Bexley26, with a salary range of £164,895 to £193,557, plus a Choices benefits package of £6,609. The appointment would be subject to satisfactory references and the Executive Notification process.

Declarations of Interest

The panel was also scheduled to review guidance on declarations of interest for members. This guidance aimed to provide members with a clear understanding of what constitutes a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and an Other Significant Interest. Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, as defined by The Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012, include not only a councillor's own interests but also those of their spouse or civil partner, or someone with whom they are living as husband and wife or civil partner. These interests can relate to employment, sponsorship, contracts, land and property, licences, corporate tenancies, and securities.

The guidance detailed the actions members must take if they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, including declaring the interest, leaving the room during discussion, and not voting on the matter, unless a dispensation has been granted. For Other Significant Interests, members may attend and speak on an item but must withdraw before any discussion or vote takes place. The report stated there were no legal, financial, or other implications arising from this guidance.