The project issues
Following an unsuccessful recruitment campaign the Council commissioned Socitm Consulting to conduct a telephone survey and recruitment exercise to ascertain whether any existing Local Authority Heads of IT or their subordinates knew of, were interested in or had any comments to make, about the post at Lichfield District Council.

The Council needed to fill the vacant post for a manager of IT Strategy and the E-Government programme or to determine the criteria required to make the post more attractive to potential candidates.

The Socitm Consulting solution
A telephone survey was conducted of Local Government Heads of IT and their immediate subordinates (and others that the search identified), determining whether there were any potential candidates within the Authority. Views were solicited to determine the appeal of the position.

When potential candidates presented themselves, a CV was obtained and passed to Lichfield District Council for evaluation.

A detailed report was provided to the Council analysing the results from the survey including recommendations for remuneration criteria.

The benefits to the client
The survey enabled the Council to set realistically the appropriate remuneration for the post,  attracting suitable candidates and resulting in a successful appointment.

Project identification
Client organisation: Lichfield District Council
Client contact: Rita Wilson, Corporate Director (Organisational Development), 01543 308100, rita.wilson@lichfielddc.gov.uk
Lead consultant: phil.hunt@socitm.gov.uk
Project no: 5161