The Employment Committee of North Northamptonshire Council convened to discuss and approve recommendations regarding the selection and appointment of a permanent Director of Transformation & Strategy. They also approved the minutes from their meeting held on 8 January 2025, and a funding uplift for domestic abuse services. A sub-committee was established to manage the selection process for the Director of Transformation & Strategy.

Selection and Appointment of a Permanent Director of Transformation & Strategy

The committee approved recommendations to establish a politically balanced sub-committee to handle the selection and appointment of a permanent Director of Transformation & Strategy. The decision was made to ensure a comprehensive and thorough recruitment process, in accordance with the council's constitution.

The sub-committee will consist of six elected members, including at least one Executive Member, with representation from the Reform Group, Conservative Group, and Green Party. The sub-committee has been delegated the authority to appoint the most suitable person for the position.

The Director of Transformation & Strategy will be responsible for leading the council's transformational change portfolio, organisation strategy function, and partnership transformation agenda. This includes embedding a 'One Council' approach and driving major corporate change activity across all directorates. The approved job description states that the post holder will:

Lead major corporate change activity across all directorates, re-engineering and reshaping the work of the Council to deliver efficiencies and support better outcomes for the residents and communities of North Northamptonshire.

The council had previously launched a campaign to recruit an Executive Director of Strategy & Change in June 2024, but no appointment was made. Following a review of the council's requirements, it was determined that a Director of Transformation & Strategy role was needed to support the achievement of the council's vision. Penna has been appointed as the council's executive search partner, and a national online recruitment campaign is planned for August 2025.

A stakeholder panel, comprising members of the Corporate Leadership Team, will provide feedback to the sub-committee. The assessment process will include a technical interview and psychometric testing. The DTS Timeline indicates that the main interview panel is scheduled for 17 October 2025.

MHCLG Funding Uplift 2025/26 – Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Services

The committee approved a 3% cost-of-living funding uplift for 2025/26 to Eve and Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Services (NDAS), the two domestic abuse services providing refuge accommodation in Northamptonshire. The decision aligns with West Northamptonshire Council to fund a cost-of-living increase for 2025/26.

Minutes of the meeting held on 8 January 2025

The committee approved the minutes of the meeting held on 8 January 2025.