Agenda Document Pack - Appointments Sub-Committee - 29/08/2024
North Lanarkshire Council · 29 August 2024
Back to Appointments Sub-Committee — 29 August 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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20 August 2024 Members of the Appointments Sub-Committee Chief Executive’s Office Archie Aitken Chief Officer (Legal & Democratic) Civic Centre, Windmillhill Street, Motherwell ML1 1AB www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk Notice is given that a Meeting of the Appointments Sub-Committee is to be held in the Shieldmuir Room, Civic Centre, Windmillhill Street, Motherwell, ML1 1AB on Thursday, 29 August 2024 at 10:00 AM which you are requested to attend. The agenda of business is attached. Archie Aitken Chief Officer (Legal & Democratic) Members : Clerk Name: Mark Hamill Clerk Telephone: 07811294702 Clerk Email: hamillm@northlan.gov.uk J Logue, L Roarty, T Carragher, T Fisher, G Lennon, A Smith, A Stubbs, S Watson, C Williams. Page 1 of 20
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Agenda 1 Declarations of Interest In Terms of the Ethical Standards In Public Life Etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC The Sub-Committee is asked to consider passing the following resolution: "That under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act". 2 Recruitment of Chief Officer (Audit and Risk) - Shortleeting 2(a) Recruitment Pack Submit candidates application pack as made available via the myjobscotland recruitment portal (provided for information). 5 - 20 2(b) Application Forms Received Submit application forms received for the post. 2(c) Arrangements for Interviews Consider and agree arrangements for final interviews to take place on Monday, 9 September 2024 Page 3 of 20
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Chief Officer, Audit and Risk, North Lanarkshire £99,064 - £103,354 (35 Hours per week) WE’RE MOTIVATED. ARE YOU? JOIN A TEAM THAT ACHIEVES GREAT THINGS. Item 2(a) Page 5 of 20
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WELCOME Thank you for your interest in the role of Chief Officer, Audit and Risk at North Lanarkshire Council. This is an ambitious organisation which strives to maintain a high level of performance, standards and customer experience. As the Council undertakes the next five-year journey to deliver The Plan for North Lanarkshire and our refreshed Programme of Work, we know that significant challenges persist in improving outcomes for the people and communities of North Lanarkshire. These include unacceptable levels of poverty and deprivation and significant ongoing pressures to prioritise the delivery of high-quality care, supports and services for those residents and families who need it most. These challenges sit against a backdrop of an increased focus on wider national public sector reform along with continued funding challenges and further structural uncertainty, including the ongoing reform agenda for education services in Scotland, which includes national restructuring and proposals to create three new national education bodies. Within this volatile and uncertain context, it is vital that the Council’s Corporate Management Team remains committed and focused on delivering our ambition for inclusive growth and prosperity for all. As we continue to deliver The Plan for North Lanarkshire and drive transformational change across the Council, it is vital that we have effective ongoing systems in place to control, manage and deliver our services to the highest standards of performance, ethics and best value. This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional leader with vision, drive and passion, as well as a broad range of strategic and professional skills to maintain strong governance, management and oversight of performance within the Council. We are looking for an inspiring individual and strategic systems thinker with the ability to earn the confidence and respect necessary to bring about real change. The Chief Officer, Audit and Risk, will be responsible for the delivery of an annual internal audit strategy, the delivery of a high-quality professional audit and strategic risk management service. If you are inspired by the challenges this opportunity presents and believe you have the skills, experience and qualities we are seeking, we look forward to receiving your application. Councillor Jim Logue Leader of North Lanarkshire Council Page 6 of 20
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If you’re motivated, ambitious and driven by achievement, then come and join us. We want you to play a part in the regeneration and transformation of our towns and communities. At North Lanarkshire Council, we’re full of energy and ideas to transform our towns and communities into vibrant places to live, work and visit. As Scotland’s fourth largest local authority, we’ve got lofty ambitions, bags of determination and we’re moving at a pace to generate real change in our communities and how we deliver services. We’re providing services that enhance lives, communities and experiences of over 341,000 people living in the area. There’s a real story to tell about North Lanarkshire. It’s a place that is growing, changing, developing and thriving. The scale of change is vast. And the rate of change is considerable. However, we recognise that not everyone in North Lanarkshire is sharing equally in its successes. Considerable challenges continue to exist, such as unacceptable levels of child deprivation, a growing demand on services such as health and social care and the visible and very real impact of inequity and inequalities on our communities. The Plan for North Lanarkshire was agreed by all Community Planning Partners. It’s an ambitious strategy which, by working with our partners, residents and businesses, aims to completely transform towns and communities, to make them better, more inclusive and happier places to live. The Plan is underpinned by five priorities and 25 ambition statements with the aim of inclusive growth and prosperity for all, to bring equal benefits and a fairer distribution of wealth. We measure our progress through 28 health check indicators which track changes and trends to demonstrate whether The Plan and the activities and projects under the Programme of Work, are making a difference. We’re at the start of a new five-year strategic investment programme to improve the region’s physical and digital infrastructure and help create the right economic, social and community conditions that will enable businesses, local people and communities to thrive. It’s about providing whole-family support locally when they need it so people can lead healthier, safer and more independent lives and in a way that addresses the impact of poverty and reduces inequality. The new programme of work will deliver care, supports and council services that will improve the lives of local people and improve their life chances. Making them healthier, wealthier, happy and more resilient. It’s an ambitious time for the council, our residents, our businesses and the people who work here. 3 Page 7 of 20
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DIGITAL NL Develop a skilled digital workforce, promote an innovative, sustainable culture and be the Digital Leader for a transformed North Lanarkshire. ONE SERVICE Ensure services are delivered, regardless of owner, in a streamlined, efficient, and supportive model, with the overall vision of inclusive growth and prosperity for all. TRANSFORMING PLACES An enhanced programme to accelerate transformation of town centres and communities. INVEST IN NORTH LANARKSHIRE Accelerated outcome delivery and investment via a more streamlined advisory service and aligned operating model and infrastructure plan. SUSTAINABLE FUTURES Focus commitments to Net Zero Carbon and climate resilience and the associated energy solutions and investments required to make it a reality. RESILIENT PEOPLE Deliver whole family support locally, when families need it, in a way that addresses the impacts of poverty and reduces inequality. BRIGHTER FUTURES Support and improve educational attainment, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, and volunteering. The new programme of work comprises seven priorities that have been brought together under one council delivery plan that will make an enormous difference to towns, communities and people for many years. The council is committed to delivering quality services that provide best value, creates prosperity, achieves social justice and meets local needs across the area. Delivering quality services starts with having the right people working here and the right ethos internally. And with around 15,000 staff, we work hard to make sure each person feels part of the bigger team delivering services that improve the lives of people living and working here. 4 Page 8 of 20
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Our priorities are clear. We want to: • Improve economic opportunities and outcomes • Support all children and young people to realise their full potential • Improve the health and wellbeing of our communities • Enhance participation, capacity and empowerment across our communities • Improve North Lanarkshire’s resource base We know that we can only achieve the outcomes to meet these priorities by working together and by being focused on solutions. North Lanarkshire Council is already high-performing but we can do so much more. We have bright and determined people working here, that believe in what we do. If that sounds like you, then read on. In the rest of this pack you’ll find more information about North Lanarkshire, the relevant job description and links to other useful documents. To be successful you’ll need to be innovative, determined and resilient. The role is crucial in taking forward our plans and we’re looking for a dynamic, innovative and solutions- focused individual with strong leadership and partnership-working skills and the ability to represent the interests of North Lanarkshire at regional and national level. You’ll be prepared to do what it takes to deliver our shared ambition to make North Lanarkshire the place to live, learn, work invest and visit. If you have all these qualities, we look forward to connecting with you. It’s important that everyone supports our ambitions and we need the very best people to help us achieve them, and that includes you. 5 Page 9 of 20
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ABOUT NORTH LANARKSHIRE Located in the very hub of the country with exceptional transport connections, we attract talent and business that has revolutionised North Lanarkshire into one of Scotland’s fastest-growing economies (pre-pandemic). North Lanarkshire is Scotland’s fourth largest council by population, covering around 181 square miles, stretching from Stepps to Harthill and from Cumbernauld to Wishaw. The council was formed in 1996 following local government reorganisation and includes the main towns of Airdrie, Bellshill, Coatbridge, Cumbernauld, Kilsyth, Motherwell, Shotts and Wishaw, interspersed with many villages and hamlets, including places like Moodiesburn and Stepps, along the Northern Corridor. With a population of around 341,000 people, there’s a wide range of age groups living in the area, as well as diverse communities with a range of religions and cultures. We’re also brimming with ambition, have stacks of resolve and are moving at pace to effect real change in our communities and how we deliver services. The council is investing billions of pounds over the next ten years to help create jobs and generate close to £1bn for the local economy. Reducing inequalities is central to our vision for a brighter, better North Lanarkshire and we’re investing in new community hubs with schools, community facilities and multi-purpose spaces, as well as doubling our affordable housing programme to build 5,000 modern homes by 2035. Around £240million Glasgow City Region City Deal funding is helping to improve the road and rail transport network, create locations to attract business and industry that are relevant to our future economy, and maximise our greenspace for residents and visitors to enjoy. Embracing our shared vision for North Lanarkshire is crucial, particularly as we face challenges to make savings as local government budgets are reduced. Being big and bold means attracting large international events to our area. We hosted the Glasgow 2018 European Sports Championships, showcasing our world-class venue in Strathclyde Country Park to a television audience of more than a billion people for the rowing and triathlon competitions, a role we fulfilled at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Latest performance results show that far-reaching positive progress has been achieved across North Lanarkshire, including: • Gross weekly pay continues to remain higher than the national average and the gap in the hourly rate of pay between males and females continues to narrow and is now smaller than it is nationally. • The number of working age people claiming employment related benefits has continued the gradual downward trend that was first experienced towards the end of 2020 and is now 7% lower than pre-pandemic levels. • The proportion of the working age population who are economically active has shown signs of improvement for the last four consecutive quarters in a row, reaching 75%, the highest position for the last three years after much fluctuation. • Economic growth continues to show a positive picture with the latest results showing an increase of 5.2% in gross value added per head. • Latest figures show a significant improvement in breastfeeding, with 30.4% of babies in North Lanarkshire breastfed at the 6–8 week review and getting the best start in life. • The change in crime rates in North Lanarkshire remains lower than the national average. Creating modern, vibrant communities where people live, work and socialise is North Lanarkshire’s shared ambition for the future. 66 Page 10 of 20
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ABOUT US 77 Elected members 21 Wards 34 Scottish Labour Party councillors 24 Scottish National Party councillors 7 Progressive Change North Lanarkshire councillors 5 Scottish Conservative and Unionist councillors 5 Independent councillors 1 Scottish Greens councillor 1 British Unionist Party councillor Workforce (Full-time permanent) 13,080 £1017m Revenue budget 2024/25 £660m Capital budget 2024/25 to 2028/29 £174m Housing revenue 2024/25 £122m Housing capital 2024/25 Population 341,400 18.1% Under 16 64.2% 16-64 17.7% Over 64 3.4% Unemployment KILSYTHKILSYTH CUMBERNAULDCUMBERNAULD COATBRIDGECOATBRIDGE AIRDRIEAIRDRIE BELLSHILLBELLSHILL MOTHERWELLMOTHERWELL WISHAWWISHAW SHOTTSSHOTTS 7 Page 11 of 20
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Organisational Structure KEY Community Champions, each supporting one community board Strategic Oversight and support across all 9 community boards Integrated posts - Jointly funded NLC/NHS Lanarkshire NHS Lanarkshire Post Chief Officer Legal and Democratic Monitoring Officer Chief Officer (Finance) S95 Officer Chief Officer (People Resources) Chief Officer (Business and Digital) Chief Officer (Strategic Communication and Engagement) Chief Officer (Audit and Risk) Chief Officer (Community Operations) Chief Officer (Place) Chief Officer (Housing) Chief Officer (Assets and Procurement) Chief Officer (Education North) Chief Officer (Education South) Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice and Integrated Practice) Chief Executive Head of Health NHS Lanarkshire Chief Officer Chief Officer, Planning, Performance and Quality Assurance. (AHSC NL) Chief Executive’s Enterprise and Communities Education and Families Adult Health and Social Care Chief Officer (Adult Social Work Services) Depute Chief Executive Chief Officer Health and Social Care Page 12 of 20
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Chief Executive’s Office Audit & Risk Service Structure HS04 NLC15 NLC14 NLC12 NLC10 NLC06 Audit Manager (x1) Internal Auditor (x5.5) Corporate Risk Manager (x1) Corporate Risk Officer (x1) Audit & Risk Assistant (x1) Chief Executive Chief Officer (Audit and Risk) Page 13 of 20
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THE ROLE Chief Officer, Audit and Risk Service: Chief Executive’s Office Job Title: Chief Officer (Audit and Risk) Responsible to: Chief Executive Grade: JNC 34-36 Conditions of Service: SJC ROLE SUMMARY The Chief Officer Audit and Risk plays a vital strategic role in this task, delivering a regular programme of audit work; holding services to account; identifying areas of weakness in terms of risk management, internal control, governance, or service failure and providing professional advice and guidance to the Chief Executive and Chief Officers to ensure the Council maintains the highest possible standards. This includes designing and delivering best practice operational audit and risk practices across the organisation, as well as horizon scanning and assessing all strategic and operational risks and putting in place robust plans to ensure these are mitigated and managed accordingly. JOB PURPOSE Being accountable as a Chief Officer and member of the Corporate Management Team for the overall strategic leadership and management of the functional service areas delegated to the role within the wider Chief Executive’s Services Directorate. Contributing to the wider management of the Council as part of the Corporate Management Team and the Business Management Team, with specific lead responsibility for areas of corporate priority as allocated by the Chief Executive. 10 Page 14 of 20
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ROLE DIMENSIONS The key dimensions of this post are: Gross Revenue budget of £577k in the current year, managing a headcount of 10 staff. • Delivery of an annual Internal Audit Strategy aligned to support the delivery of The Plan for North Lanarkshire. • Delivery of a high-quality professional audit service to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s governance, risk management, performance and control frameworks and the financial reporting and annual governance processes. • Strategic risk management including the Council’s risk management strategy, associated processes and ensuring that strategic and operational risks across the Council are identified, understood and managed accordingly. Key Relationships: • Chief Executive, Corporate Management Team and Chief Officers. • The Leader of the Council, Elected Members and Political Party Leads. • Community Planning and other key partners and agencies including the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA). • Controller of Audit, Audit Scotland and the Council’s appointed external auditor. 11 Page 15 of 20
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STRATEGIC ACCOUNTABILITIES Lead the delegated portfolio of services to achieve their strategic goals by: • Lead and operate the Internal Audit function as a proactive, dynamic and high-quality professional service delivering the approved Internal Audit Strategy and ensuring that robust audit plans are fully aligned and resourced to deliver service objectives and support the council’s ambition whilst ensuring all activities meet the requirements and expectations contained within the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS) and other professional guidance. • Working in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Corporate Management Team to agree the Annual Audit Strategy, ensuing that it is aligned to support the Council’s overall plan and programme of work. • Providing independent and objective assessments of the Council’s governance, risk management and internal control environment and arrangements, through identifying and making recommendations for improvement. • Acting as advisor on the Council’s governance, internal control and risk management environment and arrangements to Elected Members through the Audit and Scrutiny Panel. • Acting as a key professional and independent advisor to the Chief Executive and Chief Officers of the Council on the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control systems. • Acting as corporate lead and a focal point for risk management across the Council, including advising the Chief Executive and Corporate Management Team in shaping a robust risk management strategy for the Council. • Leading the implementation of the risk management strategy, working in partnership across the Council and ensuring that the Council has robust and effective risk management arrangements for the identification, mitigation and management of ongoing operational and strategic risks. • Managing the overall risk reporting process to the Council and Corporate Management Team ensuring relevant parties have an appropriate understanding of the Council’s risk exposure, adequacy of mitigating controls and appetite to risk. • To support the Council and the Corporate Management Team in taking informed business decisions based on accurate and timely information on the Council’s exposure to risks. 12 Page 16 of 20
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MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES Direct efforts to manage the following key areas or risks for the organisation: • Effectively lead the overall Internal Audit function for the Council ensuring that robust work plans are defined and that these are fully aligned and resourced to deliver services and support the Council’s ambition. • Maintain an independent and unbiased approach to audit matters, regardless of the subject matter, service or personalities involved and maintain the highest ethical and professional standards within the service. • Keep abreast of developments in audit techniques and approaches and make use of audit technology to ensure that the service is as efficient and effective as possible. • Establish and maintain a strong working partnership with the Council’s appointed auditor, maximising the complementary roles of external and internal auditors. • Ensure that the Internal Audit and Risk Management function contributes to and supports the work of Council committees, sub-committees, partnership groups and working groups as required, and the Audit and Scrutiny Panel and Policy and Strategy Committee. • In partnership with Services, development the Council’s risk management strategy and risk management processes. • Establish and implement appropriate risk management reporting to support decision- making and to allow key stakeholders (management and Elected Members) to have a proper understanding of the risks facing the Council and their effective management. • Ensure that any incidence or allegation of governance, fraud or security irregularity, including whistleblowing allegations, is brought to the immediate attention of the Chief Executive and is promptly and thoroughly investigated in line with the Council’s anti-fraud policy. • Represent the Council’s interests on Arm’s Length External Organisations, as required, ensuring appropriate governance processes are in place, and undertaking audit work where this is required or directed to ensure that arrangements are robust. • Ensure risks to service continuity are identified and contingency arrangements developed and implemented. • Maximise efficiency and encourage corporate behaviour by ensuring all staff in the function respect, support, implement and comply with corporate systems and processes and the professional recommendations of other functional leads. • Deliver a safe environment to ensure the Health and Safety of staff and the public. • Ensure procurement, ICT and other support activities are undertaken through appropriate corporate governance systems to meet standards. 13 Page 17 of 20
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CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITIES • Providing the clarity of vision, effective leadership and actively modelling desired behaviours required to achieve the Council’s ambition. • Demonstrating commitment to strategic relationships with other services, and to finding improvements and effective business solutions which support the achievement of the Council’s agreed priorities. • Promoting and valuing the diversity of staff, people and communities served by the Council to ensure equality of access and treatment in employment and service delivery. • Contributing to the strategic management of the Council as a member of the Corporate Management Team and working with Elected Members and officers in this regard. • Carrying out such other corporate and management tasks as delegated by the Chief Executive. • Ensuring efficient management of resources, workforce planning, capacity building, and harnessing technologies which demonstrate Best Value in all activities within the remit of the role. • Ensuring that proper arrangements are in place for the effective discharge of both statutory and non- statutory functions within the remit of the role. • Ensuring delivery of Best Value in accordance with the Council’s corporate policies, agreed service objectives and statutory requirements. • Ensuring that Services are responsive and properly integrated, both at corporate and local level, in conjunction with other Chief Officers. • Ensuring the development and maintenance of good employee relations in partnership with staff and trade unions/representative bodies through informal and formal processes of communication and involvement. • Ensuring effective performance management through the development of continuous improvement, achievement of performance standards and sound budgetary management and control. • Developing and realising the full potential of employees through effective coaching, performance management and providing development opportunities to promote the highest standards of delivery and maintenance of professional standards. • Representing the interests and views of the Council to COSLA, the Scottish Government and other relevant external bodies and supporting this activity by developing and maintaining effective relationships. • Advising on the implications of legislation and government policy relevant to the performance of managed functions. • Providing advice to the Council and its committees, and relevant spokesperson, on all aspects of the role or its functions. • Carrying out such other corporate and management tasks as delegated by the Chief Executive 14 Page 18 of 20
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This post is politically restricted in compliance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the holder will be expected to comply with the Chief Officers’ Code of Conduct, demonstrating the ethical standards expected of officials in public service. The Council’s conditions of service for Chief Officer posts are those for the Scottish Joint Negotiating Committee for Chief Officials in Scotland, as varied in terms of any Local agreement(s) in force from time to time. The job outline is intended to indicate the broad range of responsibilities and requirements of the post. It is neither exhaustive nor exclusive but, while some variation can be expected in particular duties, the outline is considered to provide a reasonable description of the post REQUIRED ATTRIBUTES EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE CCAB qualified with at least ten years of post- qualification experience, gained in either the public or private sectors with at least five years in a senior position. Service planning and policy development of complex issues, including contract monitoring and compliance. Track record of commitment to improving performance and harnessing technology to achieve goals and improve service delivery. Clear appreciation and understanding of the dimensions of the post both in the public and political arena. Proven experience of developing and implementing services with strong quality and customer focus. Evidence of personally displaying leadership behaviours in providing clear direction to support change with genuine delegation and staff empowerment. Evidence of building and maintaining positive relationships, collaborative and partnership working in a political environment and with Elected Members. Evidence of ability to contribute to the corporate goals of the Council, while effectively balancing the complexity of service delivery and meeting key operational and statutory outcomes and goals. Evidence of striving for improvements and better outcomes while managing risk and business continuity. Demonstrated knowledge of all relevant legislative, statutory and policy agendas. EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS Relevant degree and appropriate advanced managerial qualification, or equivalent. Member of an appropriate professional body. Evidence of continuous professional development. LEADERSHIP, SKILLS & BEHAVIOURS Ability to demonstrate clear effective leadership, displaying behaviours which support and enhance the delivery of the Council’s ambition, including setting a clear direction and strategy for the services and functions within the remit of the role, promoting corporate working with peers and other Chief Officers and delivering change effectively and sensitively to drive sustainable transformation. Ability to effectively and innovatively balance resources and risk to drive Best Value and meet customer expectations within a challenging and dynamic environment. Ability to engender a positive performance culture across the services and functions within the remit of the role, developing and building staff capability and capacity and motivating and empowering others to contribute at their highest level. Astute political awareness and ability to develop and maintain effective professional networks and relationships, both internally and externally, which bring value to the Council and enhance its reputation. Ability to think strategically and to innovate around the use of technology and new thinking to constantly improve the effective and efficient delivery of the services and functions within the remit of the role. Ability to work effectively under pressure and to respond quickly to unforeseen events and changing priorities and circumstances. Skilled and persuasive communicator enabling others at all levels to see the whole picture, and able to convincingly represent the Council’s strategic functions, wider corporate responsibilities, and the requirements of the services and functions within the remit of the role. Excellent negotiating and influencing skills, able to optimise partnership and collaborative working to deliver the best outcomes. 15 Page 19 of 20
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USEFUL LINKS In the documents below, you will find more information about North Lanarkshire Council, its priorities and its policies. www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-council/ council-strategies-and-plans/council-strategies/plan- north-lanarkshire SELECTION PROCESS AND TIMETABLE Sun 18th August 2024 - Post closes Wk beginning 9th September 2024 Individual Interviews CONTACT Informal enquiries are welcomed by Des Murray Chief Executive - North Lanarkshire Council via Adrienne Henry on 07939284602 or at henryad@northlan.gov.uk Produced by Corporate Communications, North Lanarkshire Council 16 Page 20 of 20