The Chief Officer Appointment Committee of Newham Council convened to discuss the appointment of a new Director of Public Realm. The committee reviewed the job description, candidate qualifications, and the importance of diverse recruitment panels. A decision was made to proceed with the appointment process, adhering to the council's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Appointment of Director of Public Realm

The primary focus of the meeting was the appointment of a new Director of Public Realm. The committee reviewed the Director of Public Realm final 002 document, which outlines the responsibilities and expectations for the role. The job description, as revised in May 2022, was also examined in detail (Director of Public Realm JD revision May 2022 Final 26th May 2022 002 A).

The committee discussed the qualifications required for the role, emphasising the need for a candidate with extensive experience in public realm management and a strong track record in delivering large-scale urban projects. The importance of leadership skills and the ability to engage with the community were also highlighted.

Diverse Recruitment Panels

In line with Newham Council's commitment to diversity and inclusion, the committee reviewed the Supplementary Guidance - Diverse Recruitment Panels. This guidance ensures that recruitment panels are representative of the community and promote equal opportunities for all candidates.

Councillors discussed the benefits of diverse recruitment panels, noting that they help to mitigate unconscious bias and ensure a fairer selection process. One councillor stated, A diverse panel brings different perspectives and experiences, which is crucial in selecting the best candidate for the role.

Decision to Proceed

After thorough deliberation, the committee decided to proceed with the appointment process for the Director of Public Realm. The decision was unanimous, with all members agreeing on the importance of adhering to the council's diversity and inclusion policies. The next steps will involve shortlisting candidates and conducting interviews, with the aim of appointing a new Director of Public Realm who meets the council's high standards and values.

The meeting underscored Newham Council's dedication to creating a fair and inclusive recruitment process, ensuring that the best candidate is selected to manage and enhance the public realm for the benefit of all residents.