Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Ahmad, Alexander, S Bashforth, M Bashforth, Briggs, Chadderton, C Gloster, H Gloster, Hobin, Hindle, Iqbal, Mushtaq, K Phythian, Sharp, Sheldon, Surjan, Taylor, Wilkinson, Williams and Williamson.

There were no declarations of interest.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Workforce and Organisational Design which requested that the Council consider the recommendation of the Appointments Committee to appoint Harry

Catherall as Interim Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service, whilst consideration was given to the nature of the permanent post and associated recruitment and attraction package

Members were informed that, as a consequence of the Chief Executive leaving the Council on 23^rd August 2021, the Appointments Committee had agreed to fill the post on an interim basis whilst work was undertaken to look at the post and advertise on a permanent basis. This post also covered the statutory duties of a Head of Service and so it was important to minimise the gap between appointments. The postholder would also act as Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer.

The Appointments Committee had agreed at its meeting on 6^th August 2021, to seek external capacity to fulfil this role and to separate the post from that of Accountable Officer with NHS Oldham CCG in light of the significant challenges faced by both organisations over the next few months, which required significant and dedicated leadership capacity.

The Appointments Committee of the Council had met on 17^th  August 2021, and unanimously agreed to recommend to Council the appointment of Harry Catherall. Members noted Harry had over 40 years’ experience in local government in the North West, having started as an apprentice and qualified as an accountant. He had served as Chief Executive in Blackburn with Darwen Council for over 7 years and, more recently, St. Helens MBC. He was Chief Executive at Blackburn with Darwen when they were awarded Council of the Year by the Municipal Journal. References had been provided and were exemplary.

Councillor Shah MOVED, Councillor Sykes to SECONDED and Councillor Arnott SUPPORTED the recommendation set out in the report.

Councillor Shah exercised her right to reply.

On being put to the VOTE, the RESOLUTION was CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

RESOLVED – that, having considered the recommendation of the Appointments Committee, the Council approved the appointment of Harry Catherall as Interim Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service, whilst consideration was given to the nature of the permanent post and associated recruitment and attraction package.