Dudley Council Seeks £600 a Day Director Despite Existing One

Dudley needs a temporary public health director. They will pay up to £600 per day, which could total £169,000 a year. Dudley already has a public health director, Dr. Mayada Abuaffan, who earns almost £106,000 annually.

The current director is taking personal leave, as confirmed by an interim chief executive. They need someone to cover her duties to fulfill their legal requirements.

Several top jobs are held by temporary staff, including finance, law, and children’s services. The adult social care director is also temporary. Labour opposes this trend of temporary staff.

Councillor Shaukat Ali spoke about the situation, saying it appears unacceptable. Ali added that the council once had good governance, but that standard seems broken now.

The council’s interim chief executive stated they’re reviewing management to strengthen the strategic structure. Dudley approved £42 million in savings for the budget for the next year.

Dudley wants a permanent chief executive with a salary of almost £196,000. They plan a new management structure arrangement after hiring the CEO.