The Chief Officer Appointment Committee of Newham Council met on Wednesday 22 July 2026. The primary item scheduled for discussion was the establishment of a sub-committee to appoint a new Director of Young People and Opportunities.

Establishment of Chief Officer Appointment Sub-Committee - Director of Young People and Opportunities

The committee was scheduled to consider the establishment of a Chief Officer Appointment Sub-Committee. This sub-committee would be responsible for making an appointment to the newly created role of Director of Young People and Opportunities. This position has been established as part of a review of the council's management hierarchy to strengthen the senior leadership within Children and Young People Services. The role is intended to align future service delivery with the council's corporate priorities, including early help, education partnerships, community cohesion, safeguarding, and youth safety, with the aim of delivering financial savings.

The report pack outlined the proposed recruitment timetable, with an application closing date in August 2026, followed by various interview stages throughout August and September 2026. The successful candidate would be offered the position in September 2026.

The report also detailed the requirements for the composition of the Chief Officer Appointment Sub-Committee. These included that the Mayor of Newham, Forhad Hussain, would be a standing member, though he could nominate another member to chair. The quorum for the sub-committee was set at three members. The composition was to be appropriate for the appointment, reflective of the council's guidance on diverse recruitment panels, and subject to rules on political proportionality. A substitute member was also to be provided for in case of unavailability or conflicts of interest.

The role of Director of Young People and Opportunities is a senior position, graded SMR D, and will report directly to the Corporate Director of Children and Young People, Laura Eden. The job description indicates that the post holder will provide senior leadership across a multidisciplinary portfolio including targeted youth support, youth justice, youth services, NEET reduction, post-16 education, and youth commissioning. The role involves managing a budget of approximately £9 million and seeking external funding opportunities. It also requires leading complex partnership arrangements with agencies such as the police, health services, and the voluntary sector. The position is also expected to contribute to the council's improvement agenda and take a lead on cross-departmental projects.

The report highlighted the council's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, noting that Newham is one of the youngest and most diverse areas in the UK. The recruitment process for this role is intended to be fair and equitable, complying with the Equality Act 2010 and the council's policies on equality, diversity, and inclusion. The report also referenced the council's commitment to being a child friendly borough and ensuring that all decisions, including senior leadership appointments, contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and empowered borough. The guidance on Diverse Recruitment Panels was attached as Appendix B, emphasizing the importance of diverse panels to promote fairness and reduce unconscious bias.

The report also stated that the financial implications for the Director of Young People and Opportunities post are contained within the council's approved staffing establishment and salary costs fall within the pay policy for 2026/27. Legal implications were noted as being in accordance with the Council's Constitution and Officer Employment Procedure Rules, as well as general employment legislation and the council's recruitment policy.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The agenda also included an item regarding the exclusion of the press and public, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985. This is a standard procedure for certain confidential discussions.