The Greenwich Council Appointments Panel met to interview candidates for the role of Director of Communications and Community Engagement. The meeting was scheduled to be held in closed session, meaning that the press and public were excluded.

Here's what was on the agenda:

Director of Communications and Community Engagement Interviews

The main item on the agenda was the interviews for the Director of Communications and Community Engagement position. The purpose of this role is to lead the council's communication and community engagement strategies.

The Director of Communications and Community Engagement is expected to:

• Develop and deliver the council's communication and community engagement strategies.
• Ensure effective communication both within and external to the council.
• Lead the community engagement function, delivering modern and effective forms of community engagement.
• Ensure the council's communications are innovative and inclusive.
• Advise the Chief Executive, the Leader, the Cabinet, and the Council on all aspects of communications and community engagement.
• Manage the council's reputation and profile with stakeholders.
• Work with directorates to deliver communication and marketing programmes.
• Deliver effective communications during emergencies.
• Maintain relationships with the media.
• Understand issues affecting local government.
• Contribute to the modernisation of the council's services.
• Formulate corporate policies and initiatives.
• Act as an ambassador for the borough.
• Mentor and develop senior staff.

The person specification for the role included:

• Significant experience in leading communications and public relations.
• Experience in setting communication and engagement strategies at a senior level.
• Excellent understanding of issues affecting local government.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• High level influencing and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to mentor and develop senior staff.
• Ability to contribute to the corporate leadership of the council.
• A successful track record in management of communications at a senior level.
• Understanding of and commitment to the council's equal opportunities policies and staff values.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The agenda included a resolution to exclude the press and public from the remainder of the meeting.