The Appointments Committee - Director - Adult, Housing & Communities is scheduled to convene remotely on Tuesday 8 September 2026. The primary focus of the meeting will be the consideration of candidates for the significant role of Director for Adult, Housing & Communities. The committee will also review its terms of reference.

Appointment of Director - Adult, Housing & Communities

The committee is scheduled to consider the longlisting of candidates for the appointment of Director, Adult, Housing and Communities. This is a senior role within Cardiff Council, with a salary of £152,392 per annum. The advertisement for the position highlights the challenges of increasing demand for support, housing, and care services, alongside ambitious national targets and uncertain financial resources. The successful candidate will be expected to provide strategic leadership, develop and deliver clear, practical, and achievable solutions, and ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the Council's strategic choices.

The role's primary purpose is to provide strategic analysis and robust advice to the Cabinet, Scrutiny Committees, and the Council regarding the best options and methods to deliver relevant aspects of the Council's Corporate Plan. Key accountabilities include translating the Council's vision and priorities into aligned strategies for Adult Housing and Community Services, providing high-quality advice to Cabinet Members and Councillors, and leading the development of strategic partnerships. The Director will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014¹ and other relevant legislation.

The areas of responsibility for this Director role are extensive, encompassing Hubs and Community Services, Library Services, Advice and Benefits, Adult Social Services, Adult Safeguarding, Independent Living and Preventative Services, Telecare, Housing Services for 15,100 Council homes, and Homelessness and Specialist Housing. The role also involves a wide range of partnership and cross-sector working to deliver integrated, person-centred services and will have a client role for the Council's Housing Development programme. Measures of success will include continually improving outcomes, particularly for vulnerable people, contract holder and client satisfaction, achievement of corporate priorities, effective resource management, and satisfaction of Councillors with the professional advice and service delivery.

The recruitment process for this position involves an Assessment Centre followed by interviews, with the selection process anticipated to take place during September and October 2026. The terms and conditions of service are in accordance with the Joint Negotiating Committee for Chief Officers of Local Authorities, and the post is politically restricted. The role requires a candidate to demonstrate a range of behavioural competencies, including Putting Our Customers First, Getting Things Done, Taking Personal Responsibility, Leading Change, Initiating Change and Improvement, Partnering and Corporate Working, and Optimising Resources, all at Level 5.

Terms of Reference

The committee is scheduled to review its Terms of Reference. These outline the committee's function to discharge the authority's responsibilities concerning the appointment and dismissal of Chief Officers and Deputy Chief Officers, as defined by the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (Wales) Regulations 2006², and the statutory Head of Democratic Services. This will be conducted in accordance with the Employment Procedure Rules and other relevant Council policies and procedures.