By Carole Dennett
The cash-strapped Isle of Wight Council is appointing a new Strategic Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive, after a full council meeting on Wednesday. Most papers for the meeting were confidential, with no public information on who the recommended candidate was, their qualifications and experience, or exactly how much they will be paid. Chief executive, Wendy Perera, advised councillors to appoint woman of mystery – “Candidate 1”. Yesterday (Thursday) the IW Observer asked for the name of the winning candidate. We did not receive an answer by the time we went to press, but the recommended candidate was nonetheless in County Hall on Wednesday to meet councillors after they had rubber-stamped Ms Perera’s recommendation.
The winning candidate, who is said to live in London, will not be starting until February next year – so it is unclear why an Extraordinary Council meeting had to be called, especially as there is a scheduled council meeting on November 18.
The post, which includes the statutory Section 151 financial responsibilities, was offered with a salary of up to £129,500, and a total package of up to £178,607, including pension and other benefits.
The recruitment follows the collapse of the decade-long shared finance arrangement with Portsmouth City Council. Chris Ward, the Section 151 Officer shared with Portsmouth, received a package worth more than £180,000 in 2024/25, with the Isle of Wight Council contributing £79,950. Despite the massive increase in costs, the report to councillors reassuringly notes that “budget is available for this”.
The council is also currently advertising for a new Strategic Director of Corporate Services with a salary of up to £124,441. The job advert makes it clear that the successful candidate does not need to live on the Island. While the role is “predominantly” Island based, it offers “hybrid working arrangements, enabling you to work in a way that compliments your desired work-life balance with agile, remote, and home-working opportunities”. If you are truly the “exceptional leader” the advert demands, you’ll be easy to spot at County Hall – but you need to get your application in before November 1.
The council is currently consulting on cuts to services for some of the Island’s most vulnerable residents, and warning of a £65 million structural deficit within three years. Earlier this year, the authority admitted it may have to issue a Section 114 notice, effectively declaring bankruptcy, if its financial position does not improve.
In April it was revealed that 12 senior managers at County Hall earn more than £100,000 a year. With the council now consulting on cuts to vital services, Islanders will surely be reassured to know that those advising our councillors are being handsomely rewarded.
In the advertisement for the latest post, the council tells aspiring applicants the Island is “full of surprises and opportunity”. It most certainly is – for some.
