Sheffield Council spends £18,750 a month on having an interim chief executive

A Sheffield taxpayer used the Freedom of Information Act to find out more about who held the position and what they were paid by the council.

In response to his question, officers said: “Sheffield City Council does not have a direct contractual relationship with Charlie Adan (interim chief executive) and she is not in receipt of a salary.

"Sheffield City Council does have a contract with Odgers Interim for the provision of an experienced candidate for the post of interim chief executive.

"The contract with Odgers Interim covers all costs associated with the provision of the interim chief executive, including fees.

"A report to the council on 4 December 2019 disclosed that the likely costs will be approximately £18,750 per month. This figure is based on the average monthly cost that the council expects to be billed over the duration of the contract."

Ms Adan has been the interim chief executive since January, making the council’s total spend on this role so far £93,750.

It is not yet clear how long Ms Adan will stay in the post before a permanent chief executive is hired but at the time of appointing her the council said 'the position could last up to six months'.

However, this may now be affected by the coronavirus crisis as other positions such as leader of the council, Lord Mayor and committees have continued past their changing date.

When asked about whether all the spend goes to Ms Adan and how long the contract will last, a spokesperson for the council said: “Sheffield City Council agreed at full council the contract with Odgers Interim and the ongoing cost of approximately £18,500 per month. This ongoing cost is published monthly and publicly. The contract covers all costs associated with this vital post which provides additional senior level capacity until a permanent appointment is made, the process of which is under way.”

John Mothersole was the council’s former chief executive for 11 years until he retired at the end of last year.

It was revealed last month in a study by the TaxPayers' Alliance that, before he left, Mr Mothersole received a salary of £192,064 a year, plus a pension of £29,194.

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