Agenda and draft minutes

To receive and note apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Smalley, Wann, Warters and Waudby.

At this point in the meeting, Members and co-opted members are asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary interest, or other registerable interest, they might have in respect of business on this agenda, if they have not already done so in advance on the Register of Interests. The disclosure must include the nature of the interest.

An interest must also be disclosed in the meeting when it becomes apparent to the member during the meeting.

(Please see the attached sheet for further guidance for Members.)

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive a report from the Chief Officer (HR and Support Services) which invites Full Council to approve the recommendation of the Staffing Matters and Urgency Committee’s Appointments Panel to appoint Richard Webb to the role of Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service).

The Chief Officer (HR and Support Services) submitted a report which invited Council to approve the recommendation of the Staffing Matters and Urgency Committee’s Appointments Panel to appoint Richard Webb to the role of Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service).

A brief summary of Richard Webb’s biography and employment history was included as an annex to the report for members’ information.

Following the recommendations having been moved and seconded the Lord Mayor invited responses from the Leader of the Council and Opposition Group Leaders.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Douglas, reported on her role as Chair of the Staffing Matters and Urgency Committee. That it had been a productive and collaborative process that started back in mid-August as part of the pre-application process. There were 39 applicants that came through the process and that was shortlisted to five, then four, then one. The process involved various panels comprising young people, trade unions, partners, equalities and corporate management team. It was with great pleasure that a collective decision had been made to offer the role to Richard Webb, currently Director of Health and Adult Services at North Yorkshire Council. He was an excellent candidate who brought a wealth of experience from across local government. It was noted that the next step was for Council to consider the recommendations to proceed with the appointment and subject to approval for human resources to undertake final checks.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Councillor Ayre, wished to place on record his thanks to the outgoing Chief Executive, Ian Floyd, particularly highlighting his work in relation to development of York Community Stadium, one of the largest capital schemes in the city’s history. He also thanked all those involved with contributing their time and expertise to assist the panel, which included, members of the public, young people and partners. The incoming Chief Executive, Richard Webb, had demonstrated enthusiasm, passion and knowledge and would be a huge asset to the city.

The Leader of the Conservative Group, Councillor Steward, thanked the outgoing Chief Executive, Ian Floyd, who he had always considered a pleasure to work with. He was fair and balanced in his approach and undertaken a great job. He welcomed the appointment of the incoming Chief Executive, Richard Webb, who had demonstrated all the necessary skills to be a great Chief Executive at City of York Council. He particularly highlighted his skills in relation to adult social care, which was despite some of the difficult and challenging circumstances faced by Councils.

Resolved (unanimously) –

That Council

a)   Notes the recruitment process which has been followed for the appointment of the Council’s Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service); and

b)   Approves the recommendation of the Staffing Matters and Urgency Committee’s appointment panel to appoint Richard Webb to the post of Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service), subject to satisfactory completion of appropriate recruitment checks.

Reasons: The recommendations are supported to enable the Council to appoint a Chief Executive to discharge the duties and functions assigned  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.