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Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee - Monday 16th June 2025 1.00 p.m.

June 16, 2025 View on council website
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Summary

The Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee convened to interview candidates for the position of Corporate Director Environment and Sustainable Transport, but ultimately decided not to make an appointment. The committee interviewed two candidates but concluded that neither was suitable for the role.

Appointment of Corporate Director Environment and Sustainable Transport

The main item on the agenda was the appointment of a Corporate Director of Environment and Sustainable Transport. The agenda and reports pack detail the process undertaken to reach this stage, including the use of an executive search firm, Gatenby Sanderson, to assist in the recruitment. According to the report, thirty-six applications were received, with six candidates longlisted.

Technical interviews were conducted with the longlisted candidates by Venetia Reid-Baptise, the Corporate Director of Residents and Enabling Services at Lambeth Council, and a representative from Gatenby Sanderson. Shortlisted candidates then participated in an Assessment Centre involving a Youth Panel, a Stakeholder Partner panel, and one-on-one interviews with Abi Gbago, Chief Executive, and Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE.

Ultimately, after interviewing two candidates, the Sub-Committee decided not to make an appointment. The minutes state:

After careful consideration of the candidates throughout the interview and selection process, the Sub-Committee concluded that no offer could be extended to either of the candidates.

The Corporate Director of Environment and Sustainable Transport is a key role in the council, responsible for leading the delivery of environmental services and promoting sustainable transport policies. The council's decision not to appoint either of the interviewed candidates suggests that they did not find a candidate who met their requirements for the role.

Attendees

Profile image for CouncillorZulfiqar Ali
CouncillorZulfiqar Ali  Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, and Environment •  Labour •  Plaistow North
Profile image for CouncillorCharlene McLean
CouncillorCharlene McLean  Cabinet Member for Resident Engagement and Resident Experience •  Labour & Co-Operative •  West Ham
Profile image for CouncillorMehmood Mirza
CouncillorMehmood Mirza  Leader of Newham Independents Group •  Newham Independents •  Boleyn
Profile image for CouncillorSarah Jane Ruiz
CouncillorSarah Jane Ruiz  Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Children Services and Education, and Sustainable Transport •  Labour & Co-Operative •  Custom House
Profile image for CouncillorAmar Virdee
CouncillorAmar Virdee  Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Needs, Homelessness and Private Rented Sector, and Community Safety •  Labour & Co-Operative •  Green Street West
Profile image for CouncillorDr John Whitworth
CouncillorDr John Whitworth  Cabinet Member for Air Quality and Climate Emergency •  Labour & Co-Operative •  West Ham
Gordon McFarlane

Topics

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