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.
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.
Article continues below this advertisement “Failing to appoint would pose significant risks, including weakened financial governance, reduced senior capacity, and potential intervention from external auditors.”
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 14:00 on Wednesday, 25th March.
Let’s hope the position is advertised Nationally to get
the person with the right calibre for the role.
No mates / family favours.
We need someone who knows what they are doing.
Obscene, absolutely disgusting Nothing justifies that kind of salary…nothing.
No wonder the council never have any money. Its just gold lining their pockets . Appalling.
I completely agree with you that salary is outrageous and cannot be justified.
Quite a bit of tax to pay though on such a salary.
I agree with you there. I don’t suppose that a Surgeon gets that.
As it is a statutory role , I guess there is no question it is needed. However , the salary is astronomical in my view
Let’s take a wild guess. Some failure from another Council will be swiftly moved sideways into this cushy position. Isn’t that the usual scenario?
Why o why has a replacement not already been found. It looks like the council will now have to employees an outside “very” expensive set of auditors to oversee the position between one leaving and a new one taking on the job. Is there no planning ahead by the council officers, no management structure to organise things like this? Who actually runs the day to day running of ¨The council¨?
Maybe yet another over paid waste of space.
I do hope this salary is prorated based on results. Cant help but feel walking into such a large salary leaves little desire for results. Woukd be fair over a few years on commitment to making a difference. If someone has the ability to put more money in more pockets then why shouldn’t they earn a good salary, rewarding hard work for once.