Appointment of Independent Audit and Scrutiny Chairperson
Argyll and Bute Council · 22 February 2024
Back to Argyll and Bute Council — 22 February 2024 and its agenda
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL COUNCIL LEGAL AND REGULATORY SUPPORT 22 FEBRUARY 2024 APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDIT AND SCRUTINY CHAIRPERSON 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 This report outlines the process that has been undertaken in terms of the appointment of an Independent Chairperson for the Audit and Scrutiny Committee and seeks agreement of Council to appoint Ms Janice Wason Hall to that position. 1.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 Council is asked to agree the appointment of Ms Janice Wason Hall to the post of Independent Chairperson of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee for an initial period of 2 years until 21 February 2026. 2.0 DETAIL 3.1 The Council agreed at the meeting held on 19 May 2022 that work would be undertaken in terms of recruiting a new Chairperson for the Audit and Scrutiny Committee following notification that Martin Caldwell, the current Chairperson, had indicated his intention to step down from the post. 3.2 A delegation was given to the Executive Leadership Team in consultation with the Leader of the Council, the Depute Leader and the Leader of the largest opposition group to take forward the recruitment process. 3.3 A recruitment exercise was undertaken initially via My Job Scotland which did not result in any suitable candidates. Following this another recruitment exercise was undertaken which resulted in one candidate being identified. Interview of the candidate took place on Wednesday 31st October at the Council Headquarters, Kilmory Castle.
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3.4 Ms Janice Wason Hall is a business owner on Mull and has significant experience of working at a high level in the public sector. The recruitment Panel were unanimous in their view that Ms Hall was a suitable candidate and agreed to recommend her appointment to Council for an initial period of 2 years. 3.5 Council should note that the current Chair, Martin Caldwell, has agreed to undertake a mentoring role for Ms Hall and this will be taken forward over the March and June meetings of the Committee. 4.0 CONCLUSION 4.1 Following the decision of Council in May 2022, recruitment for a replacement Chairperson for the Audit and Scrutiny Committee was undertaken. Council is asked to approve the appointment of Ms Janice Wason Hall as Chairperson of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee for an initial period of 2 years. 5.0 IMPLICATIONS 5.1 Policy – in line with the Council Constitution and continues the Independent Chairperson role on the Committee. 5.2 Financial – there will be costs incurred in terms of provision of ICT equipment and any relevant expenses. 5.3 Legal - none 5.4 HR – relevant policies will be applied. 5.5 Fairer Scotland Duty: 6.5.1 Equalities - protected characteristics - none 6.5.2 Socio-economic Duty - none 6.5.3 Islands - none 5.6 Climate Change – none 5.7 Risk – deals with the risk of not having an Independent Chairperson 5.8 Customer Service - none 5.9 The Rights of the Child (UNCRC) - none Douglas Hendry Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support Policy Lead Councillor Robin Currie 31 January 2024 For further information contact: Shona Barton, Governance Manager (01436) 657605 APPENDICES - none