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

There were no declarations of interest made by Members in accordance with the code of conduct.

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

There were no items of Chair’s urgent business.

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.

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 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.

Information folders were available at the meeting (which contained the role profile for the Service Director for Education, Participation and Skills, candidates’ applications, presentation topic and interview questions).

Members interviewed two candidates for the post of Service Director for Education, Participation and Skills and considered each of the candidates on merit.

The Panel agreed to appoint Dr Ming Zhang to the post of Service Director for Education, Participation and Skills.

Andy Ralphs (Strategic Director for Customer and Corporate Services) provided an update on the recruitment process for the Service Director for Finance, Section 151 Officer. Following the assessment centre it was agreed to extend the search for a further 4 weeks to seek further candidates for interview.

Agreed that Penna would continue to search for further candidates for the Service Director for Finance, Section 151 Officer.