The Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee met to discuss the appointment of a Director of Strategy, Design and Insight. The agenda included a report outlining the process for the appointment, and recommended interviewing a single candidate. After the public and press were excluded, the sub-committee were scheduled to consider the application and interview the candidate.

Director of Strategy, Design and Insight Appointment

The report from Joanna Brown, Director of People and Inclusion, provided background information on the appointment process for the Director of Strategy, Design and Insight. The Audit and Corporate Governance Committee had delegated the responsibility of interviewing and offering permanent appointments to all posts at Chief Officer level to the Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee.

The report set out the process and timetable for the appointment, and made recommendations to the sub-committee. It noted that additional papers, including the application of the individual candidate, would be provided in a separate, confidential appendix.

The report indicated that the role had been advertised internally, attracting two applications. Following a review by the Executive Director Corporate Services and the People and Inclusion Relationship Lead, it was recommended that one applicant be interviewed. The report stated:

The recommendation is that we proceed to interview with one candidate and therefore combine the shortlisting and the interview panel into one. This is recommended due to the strength of the applicant who has been performing well and making a significant impact whilst acting-up into the role over the past 6 months, with a high level of confidence in their abilities in this role. It will also avoid expenditure of an external campaign which would cost circa £20,000.

The report also noted Camden Council's commitment to a diverse workforce and internal talent development. It stated that the recommendation to interview only one candidate was considered reasonable in this context.

The sub-committee was scheduled to interview the candidate and, if appropriate, recommend an offer of appointment, subject to standard checks and agreement on a starting salary. The report stated that Frances Woods, People Relationship Lead, would be available to advise the members on the appropriate method for assessing candidates' attitudes, skills and behaviours.

The job description outlined the responsibilities of the Director of Corporate Strategy, Design and Insight, including:

• Overseeing corporate strategy, policy and service design.
• Supporting the organisation to develop its future strategy, evolving the We Make Camden vision¹ in support of the organisation’s priorities.
• Leading the council’s insight, learning and impact function.
• Informing and supporting the corporate prioritisation process.
• Ensuring the council is informing and responding effectively to a rapidly changing national and London wide policy and economic landscape.
• Ensuring appropriate support to the Scrutiny process in Camden and be the statutory lead Scrutiny officer.

Exclusion of Public and Press

The agenda included a resolution to exclude the public and press from the meeting during consideration of the Director of Strategy, Design and Insight appointment. This was justified under Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, which allows for the exclusion of the public when discussing information relating to individuals.