Chief Executive

Role

The role of Chief Executive of Swindon Borough Council is a full-time appointment.

Following public advertisement and a stringent recruitment process, the post holder is formally appointed by the whole Council.

By law, senior council staff are not allowed to participate in any party political activity and are expected to advise and assist all councillors, irrespective of their political affiliation.

The Chief Executive oversees the performance of over 300 council services, which vary enormously: from children and young people services and StreetSmart, to services for older people and corporate services.

Responsibilities

The Chief Executive's key responsibilities are to:

• Be the lead policy advisor to the Council and to support councillors to make decisions on behalf of the community, and to develop plans for the future of Swindon
• Take responsibility for the performance of 8,500 staff, ensuring they deliver services in line with Council priorities and statutory requirements
• Develop partnership working with other public, private and voluntary organisations to achieve improved outcomes and better public services for local people
• Ensure the proper use of council resources to deliver value for money for the community across a wide range of services from child adoption to looking after older people
• Raise the profile of Swindon at a regional and national level so that Swindon is able to influence national thinking and to secure additional funding for Swindon priorities
• Work with councillors to ensure the ethical standards, probity and integrity of decision making in the Council are of the highest order

Remuneration

The Chief Executive is paid an annual salary of £178,475.

There are no additional allowances, and expenses can only be claimed for reasonable and evidenced costs incurred (such as travel and accommodation) whilst working on Council business.

The Chief Executive can also earn an additional 15% of his salary as part of a performance-related scheme. The current Chief Executive chose not to take advantage of this scheme in the 2008-09 financial year, nor is he doing so in 2009-10.

As with all staff, the Chief Executive is subject to annual appraisal. This is the responsibility of the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council and is facilitated by an independent body.

Within the appraisal process, progress against objectives is measured and new objectives set for the forthcoming year.

Benefits

The Chief Executive receives no other company benefits.

Pension

The Chief Executive is a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme and contributes 7.5% of salary into the Local Government Pension scheme.

The Council makes an employer's contribution of 15% into the scheme.

The rules governing the pension scheme are contained in regulations made by Parliament.

Working Arrangements

The post does not have contracted weekly hours, as the Chief Executive is expected to work as many hours as are needed to fulfil the requirements of the Council.

Outside of the Monday to Friday work within office hours, the Chief Executive also attends evening meetings and works at weekends as necessary.

The post holder is 'on call' at all other times, particularly to cover emergency planning requirements. The post does not attract additional payment for extended hours or for being ‘on call'.

The Chief Executive is entitled to 32 days' paid leave each year, in addition to the normal bank holidays.

Current Post Holder

The current Chief Executive is Gavin Jones, who was appointed in June 2006.