Members will be asked to make any declarations of interest in respect of items on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Panel will be asked to confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 13 June 2023.

The minutes from 13 June 2023 were agreed as a true and accurate record.

To receive reports on business which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be bought forward for urgent consideration.

There were no items of urgent business.

Tracey Lee (Chief Executive) introduced the report. 

The Panel agreed to:

1.    Note progress on the recruitment of a permanent Director of Children’s Services;

2.    Undertake a recruitment process for the post of Interim Director of Children’s Services.

To consider passing a resolution under Section 100(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972 to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act, as amended by the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

The Panel agreed to pass a resolution under Section 100(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972 to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act, as amended by the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

The Panel will be asked to confirm the confidential minutes of the meeting held on 13 June 2023.

The confidential minutes from 13 June 2023 were agreed as a true and accurate record.

Tracey Lee (Chief Executive) presented the report to the Panel and it was highlighted to the Panel that one candidate would be interviewed.

In response to questions raised it was reported:

The Panel agreed to appoint David Haley to the position of Director of Children’s Services on an interim basis for a period of up to 12 months, subsequent to the recruitment to the permanent Director of Children’s Services, Cabinet agreement and the necessary pre-employment checks.