The Appointment Sub-Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Thursday 3 September 2026. The primary item scheduled for discussion was the shortlisting process for the Corporate Director of Communities role. Due to the confidential nature of the business, the press and public were excluded from the majority of the meeting.

Shortlisting for Corporate Director of Communities

The main item on the agenda was the shortlisting for the Corporate Director of Communities. This role is a Chief Officer position within the council, responsible for overseeing community-related functions. The report pack indicated that technical interviews had been conducted by the executive search agency, Penna, and an external specialist with longlisted candidates between 10 and 25 August 2026.

The Appointment Sub-Committee was asked to review a shortlisting report, which detailed the recommendations from Penna regarding candidates suitable for progression to the final interview stage. The committee was then to agree on the shortlist of candidates to be invited for these final interviews.

The report highlighted that interim arrangements were in place for the Corporate Director of Communities role, and permanent recruitment was necessary for organisational, statutory, and reputational reasons. It was noted that permanent recruitment would represent improved value for money compared to ongoing agency engagement and would provide greater leadership stability. The recruitment process was advertised extensively, including on the council's website and through Penna.

The report also outlined the terms of reference for the Appointment Sub-Committee, which is established to make appointments to Chief Officer and Deputy Chief Officer posts in accordance with the council's Constitution and recruitment procedures. It was noted that for such appointments, the committee must comprise five councillors, with specific representation from the Leader of the Aspire Group and at least one member of the Executive (Cabinet). The quorum for the committee was set at three voting members.

The report also included guidance on declarations of interest for members, detailing Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPIs) and Non-DPIs, and the implications for participation in meetings. It also drew members' attention to guidance on predetermination and bias. The legal basis for the appointment process was referenced, citing Section 112 of the Local Government Act 1972, which requires councils to appoint necessary officers, and Section 7 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, which mandates appointments on merit. The council's Officer Employment Procedure Rules and the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) Regulations 2001 were also mentioned as governing the process. Furthermore, the report stressed the Council's commitment to equalities, noting that all posts are recruited on merit and that the Council must comply with the Equality Act 2010, ensuring no discrimination and having due regard to the public sector equality duty.

The report indicated that Appendix 1, containing the shortlist report from Penna, was to follow. The committee was recommended to consider this report and agree the final shortlist of candidates. The next meeting of the Appointment Sub-Committee was scheduled for 24 September 2026.