SIC housing chief to retire early

Shetland Islands Council’s head of housing Chris Medley has been granted early retirement and will leave his job at the end of January 2011.

The 53 year old has worked for the SIC since January 2000, when he made the move from Rutland County Council.

Mr Medley has worked predominantly in the public sector and had now served long enough to take advantage of an early retirement package, which he hoped would let him spend more time fulfilling a number “of personal ambitions”.

His retirement will allow the council to streamline its overall management structure.

Mr Medley said: “During my time with the council, I have seen housing staff display the highest standards of professionalism.”

“I am pleased to have known them and proud to have worked alongside them. I would like to thank them all for their support and wish them all well for the future”.

SIC housing spokesman Allison Duncan said he was disappointed to see Mr Medley leave and wished him and his family all the best for the future.

Chief executive Alistair Buchan, who has been asked to carry out a review of the management structure, added: “At a time when the council and the community are facing very difficult service choices to reduce costs, it’s appropriate that the cost of management and administration is reduced. 

“Changes in the management structure like these can create opportunities for career progression within the council but crucially, also provide the framework to reduce the overall number of management posts”.

The council has recently embarked on its biggest house building programme for many years and has plans to start investing its precious oil reserves to create more affordable homes and take pressure off its growing waiting list.