The Council appointed an interim Chief Executive Officer and filled a vacant seat on the Planning and Licensing Committee. The meeting, which was held on Thursday 26 June 2025, saw the appointment of Jane Portman as Interim Chief Executive Officer for a period of up to nine months, and Councillor Tristan Wilkinson was appointed to the Planning and Licensing Committee.

Appointment of an Interim Chief Executive Officer

The Council appointed Jane Portman as Interim Chief Executive Officer, Returning Officer, and Electoral Registration Officer for a period of up to nine months, commencing from 1 July 2025. This appointment is to ensure the Council's statutory duties are fulfilled while a permanent Chief Executive Officer is recruited. Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, highlighted the significance of this decision, particularly in light of local government reorganisation in Gloucestershire. He thanked the outgoing Chief Executive Officer, Rob Weaver, for his service, noting achievements such as transitioning services back under Council control and working with partners on reorganisation plans.

Councillor Evemy emphasised the need for a Chief Executive who could effectively represent residents' interests during the reorganisation, guide staff through change, and address ongoing challenges like financial pressures and delivering council priorities such as waste collection, affordable housing, supporting residents through the cost of living crisis, responding to the climate emergency, and fostering a prosperous local economy.

Councillor Tom Stowe seconded the appointment, praising the Head of HR for their support during the recruitment process and highlighting Jane Portman's extensive experience and track record in leading organisations through various circumstances. The Director of Governance and Development, Angela Claridge, explained that David Stanley, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, would step in as Head of Paid Service if Jane Portman was unable to start on 1 July 2025.

During the debate, councillors noted the role of the Performance and Appointments Committee and confirmed that the interim appointment could be extended to nine months without requiring a further council meeting. The financial implications were discussed, with a budget of £116,685 available for interim arrangements, and the proposed remuneration package of £130,000 per annum (pro-rata) was deemed affordable and value for money. An honorarium payment would be made to David Stanley if he needed to cover the role temporarily. The Council also authorised the Head of HR to begin the process of appointing a permanent Chief Executive Officer.

The Council resolved to:

• Approve the recommendation that Jane Portman be appointed as Chief Executive Officer/Returning Officer/Electoral Registration Officer for a period of up to 9 months from 1 July 2025 or the date of commencement in post of a permanent Chief Executive Officer, whichever is earlier.
• Appoint the Interim Chief Executive Officer as the Council's Head of Paid Service for the purposes of Section 4 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, from 1 July 2025 until a permanent Chief Executive Officer is appointed.
• Approve the recommendation that Jane Portman is appointed as Interim Chief Executive Officer (Head of Paid Service), Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer with effect from 1 July 2025 or as soon as practically possible after that date.
• Appoint David Stanley, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, to undertake the role of Head of Paid Service, Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer in the event that the Interim Chief Executive Officer is unable to take up the role with effect from 1 July 2025, until such time as the Interim Chief Executive Officer is available to take up the role.
• Authorise the Head of HR to commence the process of appointing a permanent Chief Executive Officer (Head of Paid Service) and Returning Officer / Electoral Registration Officer.

Appointment to vacant seat on the Planning and Licensing Committee

Councillor Tristan Wilkinson was appointed to the vacant Liberal Democrat seat on the Planning and Licensing Committee. Councillor Juliet Layton proposed the appointment, noting that planning training had been arranged for Councillor Wilkinson and would be available to other members. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Ray Brassington and agreed by Council with 24 votes in favour and none against.