The Chief Executive decides as follows:

To appoint Monica Needs as the Interim Director of Community and Citizen Services on a job-sharing basis.

Monica Needs has been working with the Council since August 2025 to support Pride in Place, LGR and community development.  Monica is very experienced in the communities space, having worked at a senior level in two London Boroughs, has a national profile on these topics and is extremely well networked. The additional expertise and experience Monica brings will be valuable contribution to support the Council through the LGR process. Monica would be available to start immediately and as she already worked with Helen and the team, this would make a seamless transition. 

The decision to appoint Monica to the role for two days a week on an interim basis for 12 months will ensure there is no gap in leadership capacity at a critical time for the services. Monica and Helen are content with the job share arrangements. 

The Political Group Leaders have been consulted as required and received no objection.

Doing nothing would lead to a skills and capacity gap in the senior leadership team at a critical time for the services.

Attempting to permanently recruit to the part time role would be difficult in the current market and with the uncertainty of LGR, bears a high risk of being unsuccessful. It would also take time and leave a capacity and skills gap at a critical time.