Agenda and minutes

To receive any announcements from the Chair.

The Chairman welcomed all to the meeting and reminded everyone to use the microphones when speaking. He said that the passing of former Councillor Norma Symonds would be marked at the next full Council meeting.

To receive any Members’ apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were submitted from Councillors Boylan, Burt, Carter, Copley, Deering, Dunlop, Horner, Nicholls, Parsad-Wyatt, Redfern, V Smith and Councillor Swainston.

To receive any Members' declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Leader introduced the report, and thanked Members for attending the Extraordinary meeting so that the important decision of appointing the Chief Executive could be made.

The Leader said that following the resignation of the former Chief Executive, it was agreed at Council in October 2024 that Helen Standen be appointed as Interim Chief Executive for a period of between 12 – 18 months, with the position to be permanently recruited to as soon after the May 2025 elections as possible.

The Leader said that the Chief Executive position was widely advertised in June 2025, and that the Chief Recruitment Committee was convened in July 2025. He said that the candidates for the role were all excellent, but the Committee had unanimously agreed to permanently appoint Helen Standen as Chief Executive.

The Leader proposed that the recommendation in the report be supported. Councillor Goldspink seconded the proposal.

Councillor Williamson said that he had been an Executive Member when Helen Standen had joined the Council, and that she had shown strong, clear and decisive leadership. He said he was therefore delighted with her appointment.

Councillor E Buckmaster said that he was a Member of the Chief Recruitment Committee, which had seen excellent candidates. He said he was happy to approve the appointment.

Councillor Devonshire echoed Councillor E Buckmaster’s comments, adding that the Committee had agreed that Helen Standen would be able to ‘hit the ground running’ ahead of the other candidates, which was vital with the changes coming to local government.  

The motion to support the recommendations, having been proposed and seconded was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that the preferred candidate be appointed as Chief Executive (Head of paid Service) at a spot salary of £127,706 + £10,000 (Head of Paid Service allowance).

N.B. This includes the 2025/26 pay award which has been agreed since the process was started.