Agenda and minutes

You are welcome to use Welsh at the meeting, a minimum notice period of 3 working days is required should you wish to do so.  A simultaneous translation will be provided if requested.

It was noted that no requests had been received for the simultaneous translation service.

To receive.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors H. Cunningham, J. Millard, J. Morgan, J.P., Interim Corporate Director of Social Services, Interim Corporate Director of Education and Chief Officer Commercial and Customer.

To consider any declarations of interest and dispensations made.

There were no declarations of interest or dispensations reported.  

To consider the joint report of the Leader of the Council and Interim Chief Executive.

Consideration was given to the joint report of the Leader of the Council and Interim Chief Executive.

Councillor D. Bevan left the meeting prior to Council endorsing the report.

It was unanimously,

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely that:

ØA new shared role of Chief Executive be agreed, as detailed in section 2.9 of the report, across Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen County Borough Councils for a defined period based on the proposed salary.

ØAn appointment of a Deputy Chief Executive be agreed from within existing management undertaking additional responsibilitieswith the payment of an honorarium.

ØUp to a 9 month ‘discovery phase’ be agreed to identify the potential benefits, risks, and challenges before determining whether to put the arrangement on a more permanent footing.

Appreciation

The Leader of the Council at this juncture, announced that this was the last formal meeting of Council that the current Interim Chief Executive would be attending prior to retiring. Damien’s journey within Blaenau Gwent had been long and productive, having commenced his early career in the housing service, followed by a number of years as the successful Corporate Director of Social Services and latterly as the Interim Chief Executive.

Damien had maintained stability and progress throughout the course of his tenure, ensuring that the Council thrived under challenging conditions. Since 2022, when Damien initially took up the role of Interim Chief Executive, he had showed unwavering dedication and remarkable skill, guiding the Council through some of the most challenging times in local government history. Damien had led the Council admirably with his calm and steady manner, strong leadership and was respected and liked by all and he would leave behind a great legacy.

The Leader said that Damien would be greatly missed and expressed his appreciation to Damien for his service, leadership and friendship and expressed his best wishes to him on behalf of Council for a long and happy retirement.

Members echoed the comments made by the Leader and also expressed their best wishes to Damien for the future and a long and happy retirement.

The Interim Chief Executive expressed his appreciation to the Leader and Members for their kind words and said it had been an honour and privilege to work for Blaenau Gwent for last 16 years and to have led the paid staff for the last 2 years. He also expressed appreciation to the senior leadership team who had supported him over the last few years. Appreciation was also expressed to all Members for their support and assistance over the last 2 years and to all current and former Members for the support he had received over the last 16 years.

Damien continued by paying tribute to the dedicated staff for their commitment and hard work on a daily basis, trying to meet the needs of the communities. He applauded the foresight of Members from both councils accepting to work more closely with each other, which he believed was a positive  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider.

Members considered the time of future Council meetings.

It was unanimously,

RESOLVED that all future Council meetings commence at 10.00 a.m.