Lib Dems’ 5 key demands for hiring Port’s first Community Director

"It's exciting news that Dover Harbour Board is cracking on with recruiting its first community director. And it is right that our democratically elected representatives will sit on the interview panel.

"But there are five important ingredients they must not overlook if the public is to have confidence in the appointment." warns Liberal Democrat Dover and Deal MP candidate Sarah Smith.

Sarah's five key priorities for hiring the first commuity Director for Dover Harbour Board:

• An independent recruitment expert with a track record of successful public appointments should manage the process.
• Terms must put the community director on an equal footing with the other non-executive directors
• The interview panel must receive fair selection training before any interviews take place.
• Local community, arts and heritage organisations should be invited to submit questions they would like asked of the candidate.
• If no applicant meets the job description the role should be re-advertised rather than risk a poor appointment

Sarah Smith says:

"Above all those with responsibility for the appointment should select a candidate who will keep the community fully involved in Port development plans. That's what Dover needs and deserves."