To confirm the minutes of the meetings held on 19 February 2015 and 26 February 2015 (to follow).

Agreed the minutes of the meetings held on 19 February 2015, and 26 February 2015 (the latter were tabled at the meeting).

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 Councillors in accordance with the code of conduct.

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

There were no items of Chair’s urgent business.

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

Agreed that under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public are excluded 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 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, as amended by the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Members will be asked to appoint an Assistant Director for Finance.

The Panel considered the report of the Strategic Director for Transformation and Change and the information folders available at the meeting (which contained the role profile of the Assistant Director for Finance, the Plymouth City Council Human Resources and Organisational Development Recruitment and Selection Policy, candidates’ curriculum vitae and supporting statements), previously circulated to Members at the meeting of the Appointments Panel on 26 February and prior to the interviews held on 11 March.  Also included were the notes made by Members during the interviews.

The Strategic Director for Transformation and Change advised Members about the outcome of the Assessment Centre process which included each candidate undertaking a written assessment, taking part in discussion groups with senior managers and an interview with the Chief Executive.

Members had a detailed discussion about all of the information in front of them and, after having considered each candidate on merit, unanimously agreed to appoint Andrew Hardingham to the role of Assistant Director for Finance (subject to references and other pre-employment checks).

It was also recommended to Full Councilthat the appointee is confirmed as the Council’s Section 151 Officer with effect from the date he commences employment with the Council.