The Council of Camden Council met on Thursday 22 May 2025, with the primary item on the agenda being the appointment of a new Chief Executive. The meeting's agenda also included standard procedural items such as declarations of interest, special announcements, communications, and the opportunity for deputations and petitions.

Appointment of the New Chief Executive

The meeting was scheduled to discuss the appointment of a new Chief Executive, who would also serve as the Head of Paid Service, Returning Officer, and Electoral Registration Officer. This appointment is a requirement under the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) Regulations 2001, which mandates council approval before a formal offer is made.

The report presented outlined the recruitment process undertaken to identify a preferred candidate. This process involved an open recruitment drive that attracted 44 applications. Six candidates were longlisted and underwent a technical assessment interview. Subsequently, four candidates were shortlisted for a comprehensive assessment centre, which included panel interviews with various stakeholders, partners, and community representatives.

The Audit and Corporate Governance (Appointment Panel) Sub-Committee, a cross-party panel responsible for Chief Officer recruitment, reviewed the evidence from the selection process. They identified Jon Rowney as their preferred candidate. Members of the Cabinet, who were not involved in the selection process, confirmed they had no objections to the proposed appointment, as required by law.

The report recommended that the Council approve the appointment of Jon Rowney as Chief Executive, Head of Paid Service, Returning Officer, and Electoral Registration Officer. It also recommended approving a starting salary of £230,000 per annum. The report noted that the salary costs would be met from existing budget provisions.

The report also referenced the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, which requires the Council to appoint a Head of Paid Service and ensure they have sufficient resources to perform their duties. It stated that any appointment must be made on merit, subject to equality duties, and that the Council should be able to demonstrate the candidate's suitability. The report confirmed that the outlined procedure complied with the Regulations.

The departure of the current Chief Executive, Jenny Rowlands, was noted, with her last day of employment scheduled for 31 August 2025. The proposed start date for the new Chief Executive was 1 August 2025. The report also mentioned that the Chief Executive role at Camden would continue to fulfil the role of Clerk to the North London Waste Authority (NLWA), a service provided under contract by the Council.

The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 were also referenced, requiring the publication of remuneration details for senior employees earning over £50,000 per annum, with those earning over £150,000 to be identified by name.

The date of the next meeting was scheduled for Monday, 21 July 2025.