New post paid over £1,000 per day

The move came after UK City of Culture Project Director, Dermot McLaughlin, had identified a number of additional resource requirements which were discussed with the Senior Responsible Officer and DCAL.

The Council initially tendered for a Production Consultant, but the process was abandoned due to a change in the scope “as identified by the Project Director and the Senior Responsible Officer”.

Due to the change in the scope of services, various options were explored with the Head of Human resources and the Procurement Manager, and the preferred option was to engage the professional services through specialist interim providers. This option was agreed with the Project Director and SRO on the 14th February 2013, according to a record seen by the Sentinel.

It also reveals that the “revised specification” was drawn up and issued to three specialist agencies on February 14, following agreement with the Project Director and the SRO. All interested parties were asked to submit CVs by Tuesday, February 19. From the five who submitted CVs, two were deemed to meet the required standard. Interviews for the position took place on February 21 conducted by Dermot McLaughlin and the Head of Human Resources at Derry City Council and the Procurement Manager. What separated the candidates was cost.

The record also shows that the Town Clerk and Chief Executive have discussed the creation of the post with the Internal Assurance Board to advise them of the position and the process to engage the Executive Events Producer. In a section of the report called ‘Key Issues’ it states: “This type of support has now been outstanding since the abandonment of the tendering process and remains a critical resource to fill. The main funder, DECAL and Strategic Investment Board have expressed their concern to the Project Director (Dermot McLaughlin) that the assurance provided to the Programme for Government Group of the appointment of this additional resource has not been completed.”

It also reveals that the winner of the position, will be employed to a maximum of 120 days over the remaining 10 months of 2013.

It states: “It has been advised by the Project Director that there is a full time requirement for the resource until the end of June 2013 to see through key events, and thereafter on a part-time basis. It is intended to engage with (the postholder) on a month by month basis, at the agreement and based on the needs of the Project Director. (The post-holder’s) daily rate inclusive of all expenses is £1,015.”

This was in comparison to a daily rate of £1,088 quoted from the other interviewed candidate.

“Both candidates were requested to provide rates excluding accommodation on the basis that Council would provide an appropriate apartment in a city centre location.”

Based on previous experience this is estimated at approximately £600 a month.

“Based on the requirement it was felt the most cost effective option would be to engage the post-holder at his proposed rate including expenses. The project Director has confirmed that DECAL Permanent Secretary has authorised this additional resource and therefore there is no financial implications for Council,” said the report.