The Appointments & Disciplinary Committee of Croydon Council met on Monday 14 September 2026. The meeting was scheduled to discuss appointments to two senior director roles within the council. Most of the meeting was held in private to discuss candidate details.

Appointment of Director of Digital Data and Technology

The committee was scheduled to consider the appointment of a Director of Digital Data and Technology. The report pack indicated that this role would lead the council's Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) function, with responsibility for technology, data, and cyber security. The role's purpose was to set the DDaT vision and strategy to support the council's core priorities and provide professional advice on digital matters. Key accountabilities included developing and delivering a DDaT strategy aligned with corporate priorities, acting as the principal digital and technology adviser, leading the delivery of secure digital services, and driving digital transformation. The role also involved providing strategic leadership for cyber security, information risk, and business continuity, as well as managing the DDaT budget and suppliers.

The report recommended agreeing a salary package for the post of Director Grade 3, with a salary range of £134,188 to £139,521, effective from 1 April 2026, in line with the JNC chief officers' national pay award. The committee was also recommended to undertake the selection and agree an appointment to the post from candidates detailed in an exempt appendix. Any appointment would be subject to the council's Staff Employment Procedure Rules.

The report highlighted that appointments of staff are a non-executive function and that the council's practice is to report all director appointments to Members for decision. The salary package for this role exceeded the £100,000 threshold set by the Secretary of State under the Localism Act 2011¹, meaning elected Members were to be offered the opportunity to vote on it. The report also noted that the recruitment process aimed to ensure fairness, eliminate bias, and encourage applications from underrepresented groups, in line with the Council's Public Sector Equality Duty².

Appointment of Director of Children's Social Care

The committee was also scheduled to consider the appointment of a Director of Children's Social Care. This role was intended to champion the needs of children and young people by ensuring an effective child support and protection system, robust professional leadership, and high-quality corporate parenting for looked-after children. The role was also responsible for delivering a stable, well-trained, and supported children's services workforce.

Key accountabilities for this position included leading and developing services for the well-being and safeguarding of children, young people, and families, ensuring statutory requirements were met, and being the lead on all aspects of Corporate Parenting. The role was also to ensure services actively addressed inequalities experienced by diverse communities and to deliver the council's budget within available resources. Developing partnerships, a focus on prevention and early intervention, and leading workforce expertise were also key responsibilities.

Similar to the previous appointment, the report recommended agreeing a salary package for the Director of Children's Social Care at Director Grade 3, with a salary range of £134,188 to £139,521, effective from 1 April 2026. The committee was also recommended to undertake the selection and agree an appointment from candidates detailed in an exempt appendix. This appointment would also be subject to the council's Staff Employment Procedure Rules and the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 regarding appointments above the £100,000 threshold.

The report outlined that the recruitment process would be designed to ensure fairness and encourage applications from underrepresented groups, aligning with the Council's Public Sector Equality Duty and antiracism commitments. The postholder would be expected to lead the delivery of the Council's Equality Strategy 2023-2027 and support the implementation of the London Councils' Tackling Racial Injustice programme within Children's Social Care.