Recruitment could soon begin for a key leadership role at the Isle of Wight Council, with a salary of up to £129,500.
County Hall officers have recommended the appointments and employment committee (AEC) approve a search for a strategic director of finance and deputy chief executive who will also serve as a section 151 officer.
Section 151 chief financial officer Chris Ward will step down after a decade in his role in May when a shared finance arrangement with Portsmouth City Council comes to an end.
The task of the section 151 officer is to monitor the financial affairs of the council and ensure they are properly managed, according to the Local Government Association.
Perera: The appointment is required
An AEC report from County Hall’s chief executive Wendy Perera said,
“The appointment is required following the end of the shared finance arrangement with Portsmouth City Council in May 2026 and the governance review endorsed by full council in November 2025, which identified the need for stronger financial oversight and a dedicated s151 role.
“The post will provide senior financial leadership, fulfil statutory responsibilities under the Local Government Act of 1972 and the Local Government Finance Act of 1988 and all other relevant statutory provisions, and play a central role in supporting corporate governance, transformation, and improvement activity.
“Combining the position with that of deputy chief executive will strengthen leadership continuity and organisational resilience.
“Failing to appoint would pose significant risks, including weakened financial governance, reduced senior capacity, and potential intervention from external auditors.”
Cost of the role
It said the annual employment cost of the role is £178,607, with a salary range of between £120,535 and £129,500.
Interim arrangements will be needed until a permanent appointment is made and will be funded from existing resources, the report stated.
AEC will meet at County Hall at 2pm on Wednesday, 25th March 2026.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
