SIC appoints new director of infrastructure

SHETLAND Islands Council has appointed Phil Crossland as its new director of infrastructure services.

Mr Crossland was director of transportation and planning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council until March this year, and is expected to take up his new post with the SIC later this month.

Mr Crossland has a background in civil engineering. He has also worked at Shropshire Council and Surrey County Council and has been in local government since 1990.

He said: “I am very much looking forward to working with staff and members, together with our communities and partners, for the benefit of Shetland.  For me, this is not just about the job; it’s a fantastic lifestyle opportunity.”

His appointment is part of the ongoing management restructuring process that had been initiated in the wake if the critical Accounts Commission report. The new management structure will consist of five director posts and 33 managers.

The council’s chief executive Alistair Buchan said: “We’ve taken some really big steps in management restructuring in what is a very fast paced period of change.

“By the end of next week there will be lot more good news on management appointments. At a time of considerable challenge I’m very pleased to be able to welcome a man of Phil’s experience and ability.”

An announcement on the director post for corporate services is expected later today (Friday).

In July, the SIC appointed former head of schools Helen Budge as director of children’s services; former head of community care Christine Ferguson as director of community care services; and former head of economic development Neil Grant as director of development services.