REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR RESOURCES

IMPLEMENTATION DATE : IMMEDIATE

SUMMARY/PURPOSE

1. This report sets out the proposal to confirm the appointment of the current postholder to the post of Chief Executive Officer on a permanent basis.

BACKGROUND

2. At the meeting of the Full Council on 12 June 2002 it was resolved that Mike Fisher the Strategic Director of Corporate Services be designated as the Head of Paid Service for a period of one year with effect 1 November 2002. The April 2003 meeting of the Full Council agreed to redesignate his post as Chief Executive Officer. A formal review took place in May of this year to ensure that his performance in the role was satisfactory and that objectives were on target for delivery.

3. The approved arrangement was for a one year period and the Council must now decide what action to take. The Council is under an obligation to appoint one of its officers as the Head of Paid Service and the current arrangement of combining the role with that of the Strategic Director of Corporate Services in the form of the Chief Executive Officer has worked satisfactorily. In the past year the Council has gone through significant changes in managerial terms post CPA inspection and has made good progress in that transition period as confirmed by the recent IDEA Peer review. Much remains to be done, however, and it is recommended that, on the merits of his performance in the past year, Mike Fisher be appointed to the post of Chief Executive Officer on a permanent basis.

FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPLICATIONS

4. If the recommendation is approved it can be funded from existing budgets.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

5. Section 4 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 requires every local authority to designate one of their officers as the Head of Paid Service whose principle duty is to advise on the manner in which the discharge of the Council’s different functions is co-ordinated.

EVALUATION/RISK MANAGEMENT

6. The Council is at an important stage of its post CPA improvement and development. Legally, it must appoint a Head of Paid Service and continuing uncertainty through a succession of temporary arrangements would not be conducive to achieving the Council’s objectives.

RECOMMENDATIONS

7. Approve the appointment of Mike Fisher as Chief Executive Officer with responsibility for Corporate Services and the Council’s designated Head of Paid Service on a permanent basis.

BACKGROUND PAPERS

8. Report to Full Council 12 June 2002

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

9. None

Contact Point : Max Burton. Tel: (01983) 823121 email: [email protected]

REG BARRY

RESOURCES PORTFOLIO HOLDER

MAX BURTON

HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES