Issue - meetings
Appointment of a Permanent Chief Executive Officer (Head of Paid Service), Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer
Meeting: 26/11/2025 - Council (Item 53)
PDF 554 KBPurpose:
The purpose of this report is to approve the recommendation of the Performance and Appointments Committee that the Interim Chief Executive Officer (Head of Paid Service) and Returning Officer / Electoral Registration Officer is appointed on a permanent basis from 1 January 2026.
Recommendation(s):
Council is recommended by the Performance and Appointments Committee to:
1. Appoint Jane Portman to the role of permanent Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1 January 2026 on an annual salary of £140,000 with an additional one-off allowance of up to £8,000.
2. Appoint Jane Portman as the Council’s Head of Paid Service for the purposes of Section 4 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 with effect from 1 January 2026.
3. Appoint Jane Portman as the Council’s Returning Officer for the purposes of Section 35 of the Representation of the Peoples Act (1983) and Regulation 4 of the Parish & Community Meeting (Polls) Rules (1987).
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The purpose of this report was to approve the recommendation of the Performance and Appointments Committee that the Interim Chief Executive Officer (Head of Paid Service) and Returning Officer / Electoral Registration Officer be appointed on a permanent basis from 1 January 2026.
To avoid any potential perceptions of bias, the Interim Chief Executive Officer, Jane Portman withdrew from the meeting for the duration of the item.
The Leader, Councillor Mike Evemy, introduced the item and clarified that recommendation three should have included the words ‘and electoral registration officer’ after ‘returning officer’. Councillors noted the amended recommendation.
Councillors noted that Jane Portman, appointed as Interim Chief Executive Officer in June 2025, had brought valuable experience from previous local government reorganisations. A probation review in September, informed by feedback from the Leader and opposition members, confirmed her effective leadership and positive impact. Subsequent discussions considered her permanent appointment, including terms, salary benchmarking, and a one-off relocation allowance. The Performance and Appointments Committee met in November and unanimously recommended her appointment as permanent Chief Executive, and Councillors were invited to support the recommendation.
There were no questions for clarity.
Councillor Tom Stowe seconded the recommendation, and his involvement in the Performance and Appointments Committee and performance appraisals was noted. Members acknowledged that Jane Portman had provided stability and clarity during a period of organisational change, including the departure of the previous Chief Executive, changes in Cabinet leadership, the completion of phase two of the Publica transition, and uncertainty around forthcoming Local Government Reorganisation. The Committee had considered alternative options, including external recruitment, and undertaken salary benchmarking in line with Cotswold District Council policy. It concluded that her permanent appointment offered proven leadership, stability, and continuity, while also being cost-effective. Positive feedback had been received from staff and members, and Councillors were encouraged to support the recommendation.
The Chair moved to the debate – there were no requests to speak in debate.
The Chair then moved to the vote on the amended resolution which was proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Tom Stowe.
Voting Record:
29 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
Did not vote: Councillor Andrew MacClean having left the meeting.