Chief exec search goes on at City Council after fruitless recruitment campaign

Birmingham City Council’s long wait for a new chief executive continues, after its leader emailed councillors saying a recruitment process had ended in disappointment.

According to Birmingham Live, the City Council’s leader Ian Ward told the news to staff after a ‘rigorous recruitment process’ had failed to bring forward a suitable candidate.

The email said: “As you will know we have recently been going through the process to recruit a new chief executive.

“This is a very important appointment for us, and I am sure you’ll all agree it is vital that we get someone who can deliver on our ambitions for the council and the city.

“We had a number of very good applicants. But, after a very rigorous recruitment process and much deliberation, the panel unanimously agreed that on this occasion we felt none of those who had applied are what is right for Birmingham at this moment. This wasn’t an easy decision to make.

“However, I am aware that after the past three years and the number of people who have been in this role it is important we make the right decision so we can ensure stability for staff.”

The post has been filled on an interim basis by finance boss Clive Heaphy since previous chief executive Dawn Baxendale left last summer to take up a role in New Zealand.