Tower Hamlets Council has taken a significant step in bolstering public safety by appointing a Director of Public Protection and Integrated Enforcement.
The decision was made at the Appointments Sub-Committee meeting on 15 September 2025, where councillors interviewed candidates for the crucial role. The agenda for the meeting outlined the process, including the exclusion of the press and public due to the confidential nature of the candidate information, as detailed in the Public Reports Pack.
The newly appointed director will be responsible for acting as the council's strategic lead in reducing crime, improving public safety, and enhancing community well-being. The role also involves leading key borough partnerships, including the Community Safety Partnership, and collaborating with the police. According to the job description, this role leads key, strategic borough partnerships including the Community Safety Partnership and the council's relationship with the police, working in collaboration with the Borough Commander and senior officers.
The Public Reports Pack details that the position was advertised across various platforms, including the council's website, Penna Exec Search, the Municipal Journal, Guardian Jobs, and social media. Recruitment consultants also undertook a targeted executive search.
The Appointments Sub-Committee, comprised of Councillor Maium Talukdar (Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning (Statutory Deputy Mayor)), Councillor Kabir Ahmed (Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding), Councillor Nathalie Bienfait, Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury (Cabinet Member for Safer Communities), Councillor Abdi Mohamed, and Councillor Abdal Ullah, followed a structured process to assess the candidates. The Public Reports Pack states that after the sub-committee's determination, the Executive will have 48 hours to comment on the proposed appointment.
Councillors were asked to declare any interests, as outlined in the Public Reports Pack, with guidance provided by Interim Monitoring Officer Linda Walker regarding disclosable pecuniary interests.
The Chief Finance Officer's comments in the Public Reports Pack confirm that the post has a substantive budget within the relevant establishment.
