Agenda item

To consider the recommendations of the Senior Officer Appointment Panel in respect of the Appointment of the Chief Executive.

Consideration was given to the report which stated that the Council was required to appoint a Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service under Section 4 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. In addition the post was

responsible for various other Proper Officer functions under the Council’s Constitution including being the Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer. Full Council had this function under the terms of the Constitution and Legislation.

On 23 January 2025, Staffing Committee approved the recruitment process

for the Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service. A detailed recruitment process was undertaken, including technical interview, partner interview, and a cross-party Elected Member interview ahead of the Senior Officer Appointments Panel,  which had led to the appointment of the new Chief Executive, John Edwards. It was also recommended that the Council appoint Mr Edwards as the Head of Paid Service.

The salary for the post of Chief Executive was £188,061. A returning officer

fee was paid in addition to the above salary, where appropriate, and was a

variable payment in accordance with the type of election.

The Council noted the 9 years exemplary service of the current Chief Executive, Sharon Kemp OBE, and formally thanked Ms Kemp for her dedicated service to Rotherham.

The Mayor asked those present to join her in wishing the Chief Executive well in everything she did going forward and also in thanking her for all she had done for the Council over the last nine years. Sharon had joined the Council during intervention and led the day-to-day management of the Council, supported by the Strategic Leadership Team.  In 2022 the Council was awarded LGC’s “Most Improved Council” and again recognised in 2023 by the LGA’s Corporate Peer Challenge as “Impressive”. These were all achievements that the Council were extremely proud of, and which would not have been possible without Sharon’s commitment and leadership.  The Chief Executive had also been shortlisted for the MJ Chief Executive of the Year award. This recognition highlighted her leadership, commitment to public service and dedication to improving Rotherham. The Mayor wished her every success for the awards ceremony.

Members from across the Chamber expressed their support for the appointment of John Edwards as Chief Executive. They felt he would bring the necessary experience and knowledge to continue improving the Council and Borough.

Members also wished to offer their thanks to Sharon Kemp for her service. They noted how she joined the Council when it was in a chaotic place. She had led from the front with professionalism, commitment and confidence. Members felt that she had been a champion for elected Members who always acted with diplomacy and bravery. The vast improvements to Council Services, specifically Children’s Services and governance were commended.

Resolved:

That Council:

1.    Appoints John Edwards to the post of Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service (including Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer).

2.    Formally records its thanks to current Chief Executive, Sharon Kemp OBE, for her 9 years dedicated service to Rotherham.

Mover:- Councillor Read                         Seconder:- Councillor Z Collingham

Following the vote, the Mayor presented the outgoing Chief Executive, Sharon Kemp OBE, with a civic gift on behalf of the Council and members joined the Mayor in a round of applause.