We had the following item at Full Council on Tuesday regarding the transition from Mr Paul Warren to Mr Amar Dave as Chief Executive… you can find the original council report here.
COUNCIL ? 22 October 2013 Item 14
14.1
CHIEF EXECUTIVE ROLE ? MANAGING THE TRANSITION
1 BACKGROUND
1.1 When Paul Warren announced, in June 2013, that he would be retiring as
Chief Executive at the end of the calendar year (31 December 2013), the
intention was always to have his successor in place prior to that date and for
there to be a period of overlap, so that the transition and handover could be
as smooth as possible.
1.2 With Amar Dave taking up the post as Chief Executive and Head of Paid
Service with effect from 14 October 2013, that transition and handover period
has already commenced.
1.3 There is an agreed induction programme in place so that Amar can familiarise
himself with the organisation, its functions, practices and procedures as
quickly as possible and also acquaint himself with the external environment,
key partner organisations and partnership structures and linkages.
1.4 As Amar becomes more familiar in the role, he will take on more and more of
the responsibilities and decision making and Paul Warren will start to move
into the background and become more of an adviser and consultant, rather
than the key point of contact and decision maker for the organisation. His
presence and profile will diminish until he retires on 31 December 2013.
2 KEY CONSIDERATIONS
2.1 Given the above situation, it is considered that it would now be in the
Council?s best interests for Members to agree to Paul Warren being offered
?gardening leave?, from a time agreed with Amar Dave and subject to being
available for advice, guidance and work on specific themes until the time of
his retirement at the end of December.
2.2 Otherwise, there could be a situation within the organisation where there is
uncertainty and confusion as to who to contact and consult with on specific
issues. There can only really be one Chief Executive and Head of Paid
Service and it is suggested that this approach would ensure the handover is
as clean as possible.
3 RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
3.1 The additional costs arising from the appointment of Amar Dave in October
will be approximately ?28,000 and will be met from earmarked reserves.
4 RECOMMENDATION
4.1 It is proposed that Council RESOLVES to agree to Paul Warren being offered
?gardening leave? as and when appropriate as part of the handover process, to
ensure as smooth a transition as possible.
14.2
Paul Warren
Chief Executive
This recommendation, allowing Mr Warren to take ‘gardening leave’ was passed, although none of the Lib Dems voted for it.
Chris Black spoke against, feeling that Mr Warren could still carry out a useful role until the end of the year, and insisted on a show of hands.