The Appointment Sub-Committee of Tower Hamlets Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 14 July 2026. The primary purpose of the meeting is to conduct interviews for the position of Head of Data, Analytics and Insights. Due to the confidential nature of the business, the press and public are expected to be excluded from the majority of the meeting.

Interviews for Head of Data, Analytics and Insights

The main item scheduled for discussion is the interview process for the Head of Data, Analytics and Insights. The report pack indicates that the committee will be asked to interview and score candidates in accordance with the council's policies and practices. The objective is to determine which candidate, if any, should be offered the post.

The report from the Human Resources Directorate, prepared by Ellen Clark, Director of HR & Organisational Development, will provide a final interview report at Appendix 1, detailing the shortlisted candidates. The report highlights that this role was established as part of a revised structure in response to an empowering services review and is considered critical for the council's ability to deliver against its strategic plan and satisfy Ministerial Envoy directions.

The report outlines the recruitment process, which included advertising the position from 11 June 2026 to 21 June 2026, followed by technical interviews on 30 June and 1 July 2026. A shortlist of candidates was then provided to the Appointment Sub-Committee.

The committee is recommended to:

• Interview and assess each candidate.
• Determine which candidate should be offered the post.
• Note that the Executive would have 48 hours to comment on the proposed appointment, with the possibility of the Sub-Committee reconvening if negative feedback is received.

The report also states that the Chief Finance Officer confirmed the role was included in the core budget for Change and Improvement. Legal Services noted that Section 112 of the Local Government Act 1972 requires the council to appoint necessary officers, and Section 7 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 mandates that appointments be made on merit. The council's Officer Employment Procedure Rules, as outlined in Section 38 Part C of the Constitution, apply to this Deputy Chief Officer post. The report also references the Equality Act 2010, emphasizing the council's duty to avoid discrimination and promote equality.

The report indicates that two candidates are proposed to proceed to the final panel stage following a fair selection process. The decision-making process for this appointment involves the Cabinet approving the appointment following the recommendation of the Appointment Sub-Committee, provided no well-founded objection is raised by any member of the Executive.