Two key directors have been appointed following a special meeting last night, 21 February, of Rutland County Council.

Following the resignations of finance director, Saverio Della Rocca and director for adults and health, John Morley in November 2022, the decision was taken to appoint a Strategic Director of Resources and a Strategic Director for Adults and Health to provide ongoing continuity of leadership and resource to the council.

This was considered in the context and scale of managing a complex medium term financial plan, delivery of adult social care reform and also the corporate strategy.

Speaking to members of the full council, Conservative Cllr Karen Payne, cabinet portfolio holder for finance, governance and performance, change and transportation, said: "This special meeting is to a point two new directors following the resignation in November 2022 of Mr Saverio Della Rocca, strategic director resources, and Mr John Morley, strategic director, adults and health. Both are statutory roles, and we have called a special council meeting to enable continuity of cover for the section 151 role.

"The chief officer, recruitment panel, recommends you approve the appointment of Kirsty Nutton into this permanent post. Ms Nutton previously served as director of financial services and the deputy section 151 Officer at Peterborough City Council, where she led the budget setting process advising the short and medium term financial strategy. She also led on the drafting of the council's improvement plan. Prior to this, Ms Nutton also had financial management experience at Cambridgeshire county council, and she has held senior leadership roles advising members and officers on financial governance.

"We made a conditional offer to Ms Nutton and pre employment checks have satisfactorily completed. Subject to the council's approval, Ms Nutton can start on 27 February, which will be the last day of Mr Della Rocca office employment.

"For the role of strategic director adults and health, we are keen to explore our existing skills within the adult social care leadership team, and offered the role on a 12-month fixed period interim basis. Three candidates came forward for the assessment and interview process, and I'm pleased to announce that the panel again agreed unanimously that Kim Sorski be appointed.

"Ms Sorski, who currently holds the post of head of service adult social care, brings a breadth of experience into the role from previous positions as a social worker, team and service manager. She has also built productive, effective networks within adult social care and tests that have led to national recognition in this arena. This will stand for in good stead to lead her team through the challenges this post will face as it integrates and further evolves with help.

"We have made a conditional offer to Ms Sorski as she is already employed by the council, so we do not have to undertake pre employment checks. I welcome both candidates and wish them every success in their new posts, subject to your approval tonight."

Members of the full council at the special meeting unanimously approved both the appointments.