Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Keith Aspden has said he will oppose council plans to appoint a £70,000 a year ‘Director of Transformation and Change’ next week.

The decision on whether to go ahead with the appointment will be taken at next Monday’s cross-party Staffing Committee.

If approved the move would see a vacant post at Labour run City of York Council covering school and children’s strategy not filled, with the funding instead diverted to the new ‘transformation’ role. The post will not be advertised externally and will instead be filled by an existing member of staff.

It will be a two-year role.

Cllr Keith Aspden commented:

 

“I would question whether this job is needed and whether it will provide value for taxpayers’ money. At a time when frontline services are being cut it will seem extraordinary to residents that £70,000 a year can be found for this apparent non-job. Looking at the job description I would expect existing senior officers to already be fulfilling this sort of strategic role.

“I would also question the internal recruitment and ask why, if the council thinks the post is necessary, they haven’t opened-up the process to all to ensure the best candidates apply. Appointing from within will strike many as a jobs for the boys attitude.

“It is also concerning that the new job will be funded by not filling a senior post which previously focused on school and children’s strategy. If the council really thought this role could go then it was an opportunity to save £140,000 over two years or divert the money to frontline services. Instead they are planning to spend the money on this transformation and change position.”

More information on the appointment can be found here The Interim Assistant Director Transformation and Change will be paid between £66,068 and £73,401.