Expression of Interest (EOI) - Independent Recruitment Panel Member – CEO Recruitment

Published on Thursday, 18 December 2025 at 10:24:46 AM

The Shire of Coolgardie is seeking Expressions of Interest to serve as Independent Panel Member on the Recruitment Panel for the appointment of the Shire’s next Chief Executive Officer.

Role Purpose

The Independent Panel Member contributes objective expertise, supports a merit-based process, and ensures integrity, fairness and transparency throughout the CEO recruitment. The member will work collaboratively with elected members and the appointed recruitment consultant to assess candidates and provide informed, independent recommendations to Council.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in all aspects of the CEO recruitment process, including shortlisting, interviews, reference checking discussions (if required), and evaluation meetings.
• Provide independent, evidence-based assessments of candidate suitability.
• Uphold confidentiality, integrity and compliance with CEO Recruitment Model Standards.
• Assist the panel in considering the strategic needs, financial context and community expectations of the Shire of Coolgardie.
• Ensure a fair, accountable and defensible recruitment process aligned with good governance principles.

Estimated time commitment: 1–2 days per fortnight over the duration of the recruitment process (typically 8–12 weeks).

This is an unpaid position.

Selection Criteria

Essential Criteria

1. Demonstrated independence from the Shire (no close personal, financial or governance conflicts with Council, staff or applicants).
2. High level of professional integrity and sound judgement, with the ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information.
3. Understanding of good governance principles, including merit-based recruitment, procedural fairness, and accountability requirements for public sector processes.
4. Ability to commit the required time (approximately 1–2 days per fortnight) for the full duration of the recruitment and selection process.
5. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to contribute constructively to deliberations and evidence-based decision-making.

Desirable Criteria

1. Knowledge of local government functions, powers and responsibilities, particularly within the WA legislative framework.
2. Understanding of the Council–CEO relationship, including the separation of strategic and operational roles.
3. Demonstrated experience in executive recruitment, human resources, public sector appointments, governance, or organisational leadership.
4. Connection to, or strong understanding of, the Shire of Coolgardie community, its regional context, challenges and opportunities.
5. Experience working with boards, committees or statutory bodies in roles requiring impartial analysis and decision-making.

Eligibility Requirements

• The independent person cannot be a current elected member of any local government, a human resources consultant, or staff member of the local government.
• Must not be a current councillor, employee, contractor or committee member of the Shire of Coolgardie.
• Must not have any conflicts of interest with potential candidates or existing staff and must declare conflicts of interest if any are identified during the recruitment process
• Must be able to sign confidentiality and probity declarations.

How to Apply

Interested individuals should submit:

1. A cover letter (1–2 pages) addressing the essential and desirable selection criteria; and
2. A brief CV outlining relevant experience, qualifications and community or professional involvement.

Failure to address the items listed in points 1 and 2 above will void the application.

Applications should be emailed to:
Bec Horan, Executive Manager Governance and Workplace bec.horan@coolgardie.wa.gov.au

Subject line: Confidential EOI – Independent Panel Member (CEO Recruitment)

Closing date of applications:  4pm - 9^th January 2026

All applications will be assessed by the Panel in the new year.