SIC directorship post remains unfilled

THE VACANCY for Shetland Islands Council’s director of corporate services is to remain open for the time being after councillors decided not to make an appointment.

The position is the only one to remain vacant out of the five newly created senior management posts created as part of the comprehensive restructuring of the island’s local authority.

On Friday, former director of transportation and planning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Phil Crossland, was appointed new director of infrastructure services at the SIC.

On Monday morning, council chief executive Alistair Buchan said that despite an intensive interviewing process the selection panel, chaired by the council’s political leader Josie Simpson, felt that more time was needed before making the appointment.

The post had initially been advertised internally. When no appointment was made from SIC candidates in July this year, the vacancy was advertised nationally.

Mr Buchan said: “The standard of applicant for this very senior post was impressive. However, after careful consideration, the selection panel has agreed to take a little more time to look at options for covering this post.

“It’s very important that we don’t rush this process. We need to find the right person for this crucial job.”

An announcement on the appointments to the 38 manager posts, reduced from 75 before the restructuring, is expected for later this week.