The Tower Hamlets Appointments Sub-Committee met on 21 October 2025 to discuss the longlisting of candidates for the Corporate Director of Resources post. Councillor Maium Talukdar was appointed Chair of the Sub-Committee for the duration of the recruitment process. Following a discussion of the candidates, a number were put forward for technical assessment and shortlisting.

Corporate Director of Resources Longlisting

The Sub-Committee considered a report by Stephen Halsey, Chief Executive, which presented the longlist of candidates for the Corporate Director of Resources position, as prepared by Penna, the recruitment consultants. The post had been advertised from 4 September 2025, closing on 5 October 2025, across various platforms including the council's website, Penna's website, the Municipal Journal, PF Jobs, and social media. Penna also undertook a targeted executive search.

The report recommended that the Sub-Committee agree to invite the recommended candidates to first-stage (technical) interviews.

The reasons for the decision to recruit to the post were outlined in the report:

Appointments Sub Committee (ASC) is established with the following terms of reference:

'To make appointments to Chief Officer and Deputy Chief Officer posts in accordance with the council's Constitution and the agreed Recruitment and Selection procedure.'

The alternative option of not recruiting to the post and continuing with interim arrangements was considered, but this was deemed not to create the necessary stability required by filling the Corporate Director role on a permanent basis.

The report also noted the council's commitment to equality, stating that the council aims to achieve a workforce that reflects the community at all levels and that all posts are recruited to on merit.

The Chief Finance Officer confirmed that the post is covered within the existing salary budgets for the Resources Directorate.

Legal Services confirmed that the council is required to appoint officers as necessary for the proper discharge of its functions under Section 112 of the Local Government Act 1972¹, and that all appointments should be on merit, as per Section 7 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989². The Sub-Committee was also reminded of its obligations under the Equality Act 2010³.

Following discussion, a number of candidates were put forward for technical assessment and shortlisting.

Declarations of Interest

Councillors were asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests⁴. No declarations were made.