Neath Port Talbot Council has approved the recruitment process for the role of Chief Executive for the Celtic Freeport bid. The position, which is estimated to be worth over £100,000 per year, could be advertised as early as August, with a decision on the successful candidate expected by the end of the year.
The Celtic Freeport bid, spearheaded by Associated British Ports, Neath Port Talbot Council, Pembrokeshire County Council, and the Port of Milford Haven, gained government approval in March 2023. The project aims to develop floating offshore wind turbines in the Celtic Sea, as well as conducting green energy research and offering tax breaks to companies investing in the area.
According to reports, salaries for similar positions in existing Freeports in England have exceeded £110,000 per annum. The final salary for the Chief Executive role in Celtic Freeport will be determined by the Celtic Freeport Project Board.
Neath Port Talbot Council will initially oversee the pivotal role of Chief Executive, but control will later be handed over to the Celtic Freeport Board once it is established in early 2024.
Rob Jones, the Labour Leader for Neath Port Talbot, raised concerns about the lack of member involvement in the recruitment process and called for more clarity regarding the appointment timeline. In response, council officers offered to update the timeline in the report, stating that the successful candidate is expected to begin the role in February 2024, coinciding with the establishment of the Project Board.
The recruitment process is estimated to take up to six months, considering factors such as advertising, interviews, and employment notices. Neath Port Talbot Council, acting as the employer on behalf of the constituent parties of Celtic Freeport, has proposed establishing the Chief Executive position within its existing structure, as the council serves as the Accountable Body of the project.
The article sets out the key information regarding the recruitment process for the Chief Executive role in the Celtic Freeport bid. It highlights the project’s significance and the involvement of various organizations. The concerns raised by Rob Jones are also addressed, ensuring a balanced view of the topic. The article is written in a clear, conversational tone to appeal to readers while adhering to SEO guidelines.
