SIC adopts new workforce strategy

SHETLAND Islands Council has approved a new workforce strategy which aims to make the local authority a “fabulous place to work”.

Chief executive Maggie Sandison said “people are our most valuable asset”, adding that the strategy will set out how the council will “harness and develop the talent and commitment of our employees to unlock that potential for Shetland”.

The strategy, which will cover 2021 to 2026, was approved at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday.

Human resources manager Denise Bell said the human element of the council is the “glue that holds the organisation together”.

Shetland Islands Council is the largest employer in the isles, with its workforce last year totalling 3,186.

This is one third of Shetland’s working population.

The strategy said the council’s main objectives are to “attract, retain and develop talent in order to meet current and future workforce requirements to create a sustainable workforce”.

Sandison said the priorities of the council are “based on our principles of fairness and equality”.

There is also a focus on being flexible and adaptable, the chief executive said.

At the meeting councillors also approved a wide-ranging plan setting out its ambitions for the next five years.