Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Baguley, Beaken, Graham MBE, Greenow, and Rhodes.  Councillor Hurrell was not present.

Members to declare any interest as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at this meeting.

Councillors Pearson and Posnett, each declared a personal interest in any matters relating to the Leicestershire County Council due to their roles as County Councillors.

The Head of Communications to submit a report to place before Full Council the recommendation of the Policy, Finance & Administration  Sub Committee (Senior Management Review) for agreement.

Members had before them a report prepared by the Head of Communications which contained the recommendations of the Policy, Finance & Administration Sub-Committee (Senior Management Review) for agreement by the Full Council.

The Leader, Councillor Orson

(a)  outlined the recruitment and selection process that had taken place since the Policy, Finance & Administration Sub-Committee was set up on 6 February 2017 following the current Chief Executive’s notice to retire;

(b)  commented it was a good reflection on the Council that the vacancy had attracted 26 applicants.  The Sub-Committee had met 3 times and had shortlisted the candidates down to 4 who had gone forward to a 2 day selection process on 24 and 25 May 2017 led by the Consultant from GatenbySanderson;

(c)  reported that he had personally spoken to all the candidates whom he considered to be very strong, each with differing skills and strengths.  However, the Sub-Committee had been unanimous in recommending Mr Edd de Coverly who demonstrated his all round abilities and strengths as well as a solid understanding of the issues facing Melton as a Borough;

(d)   summarised Mr de Coverly’s career to date; his current position being that of a Service Director – Place & Communities at Ashfield District Council.  Mr de Coverley had demonstrated to the Sub-Committee his motivation to lead Melton Borough Council in setting the culture and tone of the organisation going forward in order to deal successfully with the significant changes it faced  He considered Melton would be a great fit with his aspirations and vision;

(e)   advised that Mr de Coverly had been invited to attend the meeting tonight but had given his apologies due to a family commitment.  If the Council approved his appointment, Mr de Coverly had indicated he would be able to take up the post in late August and would attend the next scheduled meeting of the Council on 19 July;

(f)  stated he had no doubt that the Sub-Committee had recommended the right candidate for the job and accordingly moved the recommendations contained in the Order Paper before Members.

The Deputy Leader, Councillor Higgins, seconded the motion.

There being no questions or comments from Members,  Councillor Higgins referred to Mr de Coverly’s impressive career to date and highlighted his previous retail background which he said represented a good fit with the Council’s commercialism agenda.  Councillor Higgins then thanked the Members of the Sub-Committee who had worked very much as a team during the whole process.

The Mayor then called for a vote on the motion which was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED:

(1)  to confirm Edd de Coverly be appointed as Chief Executive (and Head of Paid Service) from a date to be agreed;

(2)   additional responsibilities of the Chief Executive include Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer under the Representation of the People Act 1983.

(3)   salary be £95k. This is at the bottom of the scale. The salary be in accordance with JNC for Chief Executive pay negotiations.

(4)    the following allowances be paid:

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