A HIGH-PROFILE relationship between the Playford Council chief executive officer (CEO) and a prominent staff member has led to an external review into the council’s general manager hiring process.

Playford CEO Sam Green notified elected members on April 28 of his move to engage lawyers Norman Waterhouse to undertake a review of general managers (GM) who were hired late last year.

One of the GMs hired in 2019 was strategy and corporate general manager Grace Pelle, who it was revealed a fortnight ago had entered into a relationship with Mr Green.

Mrs Pelle subsequently resigned from her position, which involved overseeing much of council’s finances, to negate any conflicts of interest.

She is set to stay on with the council until the end of the 2020-21 Annual Business Plan and Budget process.

Mr Green said the review was “consistent with council’s good governance”.

“Last month I initiated an independent review of the process by which council general managers, including Mrs Grace Pelle, were last year selected and appointed,” he said.

“I was part of the panel that assessed applications, conducted interviews and selected the successful candidates.

“The reason for the review is to ensure complete transparency to council and honesty with the community. The review is, therefore, consistent with council’s good governance and decision making at all levels.”

The review is expected to be completed before the end of the month.