The Chairman will advise the meeting of the evacuation procedures to follow in the event of an emergency. This is particularly important for visitors and members of the public who will be unfamiliar with the building and procedures.

The Chairman will inform the meeting whether there is a planned evacuation drill due to take place, what the alarm sounds like (i.e. ringing bells), where the closest emergency exit route is, and where the second closest emergency exit route is, in the event that the closest exit or route is blocked.

The Chairman will inform the meeting that:

(a) in the event of the alarm sounding, everybody must leave the building via the nearest safe available exit and gather at the Assembly points at the far side of the Car Park; and

(b) the lifts must not be used in the event of an evacuation.

Any officers present at the meeting will aid with the evacuation.

It is important that the Chairman is informed of any person attending who is disabled or unable to use the stairs, so that suitable arrangements may be made in the event of an emergency.

The Chairman ensured that those present were aware of the emergency evacuation procedure.

To approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 17 March 2021 (Minute Nos. 548 - 552) as a correct record.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 17 March 2021 (Minute Nos. 548 – 552) were taken as read, approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Councillors should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for  themselves or their spouse, civil partner or person with whom they are living with as a spouse or civil partner.  They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

The Chairman will ask Members if they have any interests to declare in respect of items on this agenda, under the following headings:

(a)          Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPI) under the Localism Act 2011.  The nature as well as the existence of any such interest must be declared.  After declaring a DPI, the Member must leave the meeting and not take part in the discussion or vote.  This applies even if there is provision for public speaking.

(b)          Disclosable Non Pecuniary Interests (DNPI) under the Code of Conduct adopted by the Council in May 2012.  The nature as well as the existence of any such interest must be declared.  After declaring a DNPI interest, the Member may stay, speak and vote on the matter.

(c)           Where it is possible that a fair-minded and informed observer, having considered the facts would conclude that there was a real possibility that the Member might be predetermined or biased the Member should declare their predetermination or bias and then leave the meeting while that item is considered.

Advice to Members:  If any Councillor has any doubt about the existence or nature of any DPI or DNPI which he/she may have in any item on this agenda, he/she should seek advice from the Monitoring Officer, the Head of Legal or from other Solicitors in Legal Services as early as possible, and in advance of the Meeting.

No interests were declared.

To decide whether to pass the resolution set out below in respect of the following item:

That under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 – Information relating to any individual.

Resolved:

(1)  That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 – Information relating to any individual.

The Leader introduced the report and explained the interview process.  He explained that Recommendations 1 – 3 could be resolved by the Committee and Recommendation 4 would be considered by Full Council.

Councillor Mike Whiting proposed the recommendations which were seconded by Councillor Ken Ingleton.

Resolved:

That the Appointments Sub-Committee:

(1)  Approve the appointment of Lisa Fillery as Director of Resources for Swale Borough Council.

(2)  That the appointment be confirmed and remunerated in accordance with the Council’s approved salary range of £89,849 to £105,114.

(3)  That delegated authority be given to the Chief Executive to finalise the arrangements and agree the start date for the Director of Resources.

Recommended:

That Full Council:

(4)  Designates Lisa Fillery as the Statutory 151 Officer for Swale Borough Council.

The Leader introduced the report.

The Chief Executive advised that final interviews were held virtually, not in Swale House as advised in the report.

Councillor Mike Whiting proposed and Councillor Angela Harrison seconded the recommendations.

Resolved:

(1)  That the appointment of Emma Wiggins as Director of Neighbourhoods and Resources for Swale Borough Council be approved.

(2)  That the appointment be confirmed and remunerated in accordance with the Council’s approved salary range of £89,849 to £105,114.

(3)  That delegated authority be given to the Chief Executive to finalise the arrangements and agree the start date for the Director of Neighbourhoods and Regeneration.