Decision details

The Sub-Committee agreed that this item could be discussed in open session and was heard prior to excluding the press and public.

The Sub-Committee received a verbal update on the recruitment of an Independent Person to the Commercial Assets Sub-Committee.

The Group Head – Assets advised that a report would be presented to Council on 18 July 2024 to recommend recruiting for an Independent Person to sit on the Commercial Assets Sub-Committee. The Independent Remuneration Panel had recommended that the Independent Person receive an annual allowance of £2,000. The Group Head – Assets informed the Sub-Committee that the Person Specifications for the role would set out they would want a local person who had not been a councillor in the past five years, with a good understanding of Spelthorne and governance issues. A background as Chartered Surveyor would be preferred.

The Sub-Committee queried whether the Independent Person would have voting rights and were advised that they would be a non-voting member of the Sub-Committee.

The Sub-Committee asked whether being a Chartered Surveyor would be a barrier to someone with a relevant property finance background from being considered and stated that an Independent Person who could provide members with advice on financial aspects of the portfolio and how it is perceived would be preferable. The Group Head – Assets advised that applicants being a Chartered Surveyor would be a preference rather than an essential requirement.

The Sub-Committee requested clarification on the timeline for recruitment and were advised that depending on Council approval, a job advert would be posted, potential after the summer break in property related journals with a closing date two-three weeks later. An interview panel would then be convened with the Group Head – Assets, a member of the Management Team and the Chair of Commercial Assets Sub-Committee. The appointment would then be subject to Council approval. The Sub-Committee agreed that it would be prudent to wait until after the summer holiday period before advertising the role.

The Sub-Committee noted the update.