Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive Apologies for Absence from Members.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Henry Batchelor, Anna Bradnam, Francis Burkitt, Brian Burling, Nigel Cathcart, Grenville Chamberlain, Graham Cone, Simon Crocker, Christopher Cross, Jose Hales, Roger Hall, Philippa Hart, Mick Martin, Des O’Brien, Alex Riley, Deborah Roberts, Ben Shelton, Hazel Smith, Ingrid Tregoing, Robert Turner, David Whiteman-Downes and John Williams.

No declarations of interests were made. 

The Appointments Panel RECOMMEND that Council

(a)          Approves the appointment of Beverly Ann Agass as Chief Executive Officer and Head of Paid Service, Electoral Registration Officer and Returning Officer for South Cambridgeshire District Council.

(b)          Notes that a provisional offer of employment has been made, subject to two exemplary references, medical clearance and eligibility checks in accordance with the Council’s policies. These checks have now been completed and the necessary references have been received.

(c)          Agrees that the appointment commence on a date to be mutually agreed.

(d)          Agrees that the salary to be offered is £122,969 per annum and that there will be no other remuneration offered with the appointment, with the exception of Returning Officer fees.

(e)          Confirms that the appointment will  be subject to a 6 month probation period.

Council agreed:

(a)          To approve the appointment of Beverly Ann Agass as Chief Executive Officer and Head of Paid Service, Electoral Registration Officer and Returning Officer for South Cambridgeshire District Council.

(b)          To note that a provisional offer of employment has been made, subject to two exemplary references, medical clearance and eligibility checks in accordance with the Council’s policies. These checks have now been completed and the necessary references have been received.

(c)          That the appointment commence on a date to be mutually agreed.

(d)          That the salary to be offered is £122,969 per annum and that there will be no other remuneration offered with the appointment, with the exception of Returning Officer fees.

(e)          To confirm that the appointment will  be subject to a 6 month probation period.

Councillor Pippa Corney, Chair of the Appointments Panel introduced a report setting out the recruitment campaign, candidate assessment and interview process to appoint a new Chief Executive and formally proposed the following recommendation:

The Appointments Panel recommend that Council:

(a)  Approves the appointment of Beverly Ann Agass as Chief Executive Officer and Head of Paid Service, Electoral Registration Officer and Returning Officer for South Cambridgeshire District Council.

(b)  Notes that a provisional offer of employment has been made, subject to two exemplary references, medical clearance and eligibility checks in accordance with the Council’s policies. These checks have now been completed and the necessary references have been received.

(c)  Agrees that the appointment commence on a date to be mutually agreed.

Councillor Bridget Smith seconded the proposal.

Councillor Simon Edwards, supported the recommendation and highlighted the robust recruitment process which had gone extremely well.  In addition he spoke of the significant contribution made by Mr Alex Colyer, who had done an excellent job in his role as Interim Chief Executive.  Mr Colyer was a consummate professional and key member of staff and Councillor Edwards hoped that he would not be tempted to leave the authority having proved himself as a very able Chief Executive.

Councillor Peter Topping also spoke of the high quality recruitment process and expressed his thanks to Mr Colyer.  Councillor Topping highlighted the range of key issues Mr Colyer had dealt with during his time as Interim Chief Executive; in particular leading the authority through the Peer Review Process. 

Councillor Ray Manning also spoke about Mr Colyer’s contribution to the Council and reflected on the support he had received from him during his time as Leader of the Council.  Councillor Manning also thanked the Appointments Panel for doing such a superb job.

Councillor Bridget Smith supported comments made by her fellow councillors and spoke about the challenges to be faced by Mrs Agass in her new role. 

Council agreed:

(a)          To approve the appointment of Beverly Ann Agass as Chief Executive Officer and Head of Paid Service, Electoral Registration Officer and Returning Officer for South Cambridgeshire District Council.

(b)          To note that a provisional offer of employment has been made, subject to two exemplary references, medical clearance and eligibility checks in accordance with the Council’s policies. These checks have now been completed and the necessary references have been received.

(c)          That the appointment commence on a date to be mutually agreed.

(d)          That the salary to be offered is £122,969 per annum and that there will be no other remuneration offered with the appointment, with the exception of Returning Officer fees.

(e)          To confirm that the appointment will  be subject to a 6 month probation period.