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 meetings held on 19 December 2025, 16 January 2026 and 02 March 2026.

The minutes of the meetings that took place on 19 December 2025, 16 January 2026 and 02 March 2026 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 Chairs Urgent Business.

Chris Squire (Service Director for HROD) presented the report and highlighted the following key points:

a)    The current postholder Paul Barnard, who after a long and distinguished career would be leaving the role due to retirement;

b)    There were two internal candidates being proposed for interview.

The Panel agreed to:

1.    Note the content of the report

2.    Undertake formal interviews for the post.

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 that 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 involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 of Part 1 of Scheduled 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 meetings held on 19 December 2025 and 16 January 2026.

The confidential minutes of the meetings that took place on 19 December 2025 and 16 January 2026 were agreed as a true and accurate record.

(Please note that there is a confidential part to the item)

The Panel agreed to:

1. Note the content of this report.

2. Approve the regrading of the Director of Public Health post within Band 2 of the Chief Officers Pay;

3. Approve the recommended salary of Band 2 of the Chief Officers Pay, for the current post-holder;

4. Delegate to the Chief Executive to agree the salary terms and conditions, and the backdating of any increase in salary.

Following interviews, the Panel agreed to offer the position of Interim Service Director for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure to Stuart Wingfield for a period of 6 months with an option to extend for a further six months, subject to Cabinet agreement and the necessary pre-employment checks. The Panel delegated the details of remuneration to the Strategic Director for Growth.