Walsall Council looking to appoint new £100k per year director despite 400 jobs facing axe

The cash-strapped authority is advertising for a director of public health who will be a "visionary and motivational leader."

It comes despite the need to make £86m of savings during the next fours years, including £29m within the next year. There are 487 posts at risks over two years and libraries also face closure as part of the vast range of cuts.

But council chiefs have insisted it is a legal requirement to fill the post and the salary of up to £102,000 is in line with people in other areas in the role.

The most recent person to fulfil the position has been Dr Isabel Gillis.

She was initially employed on an interim basis with NHS Walsall from October 2011. Then public health responsibilities transferred from the NHS to local government in April 2013.

Councillor Ian Robertson, portfolio holder for health at Walsall Council, said: "It is a legal requirement for all local authorities to employ a director of public health.

"This post carries a weighty responsibility, not just for the health protection of all our residents, but promotes health improvement and includes the tackling of health inequalities in Walsall.

"The salary offered to the postholder is in line with similar appointments in other authorities and will help us attract a candidate of the highest quality and experience."

The director of public health job is being advertised with applications to be submitted by January 10.

It states: "Walsall is a borough of striking contrasts and diversity – and this presents challenges but also exciting potential.

"Walsall Council is seeking to appoint a visionary and motivational leader, with a proven track record of public health achievement and partnership working, to drive improvements in the health and wellbeing of the local community.

"If you have the ambition and expertise to help us transform our services and make a real impact in Walsall, then we would like to hear from you."

It recently emerged the council had spent almost £20,000 asking the public what they think of the cuts, amid criticism it was a waste of money.

This was the amount spent up to November 24 on a public consultation and it included £11,000 on telephone surveys.

Council bosses have defended the process, saying consulting the public is a key part of the decision making.