Council picks preferred candidate to replace Helen Budge as children’s services head
SHETLAND Islands Council (SIC) has announced its preferred candidate to replace Helen Budge as director of children’s services.
Samantha Flaws will replace Budge, who retired in early September, after 12 years at the SIC.
She started as a teacher at Bressay primary school, before moving to be head teacher of Cunningsburgh primary that same year.
Flaws was appointed quality improvement officer for early years in 2016 and executive manager for early years in 2021.
She will take up the post as acting director immediately while recruitment processes are completed.
Flaws said: “I am delighted to be the preferred candidate for the post of director and really look forward to the challenge this new role will bring.
“Huge thanks must go to my family and colleagues who have supported me during the recruitment process.”
Council chief executive Maggie Sandison said she was delighted to welcome Flaws into the role.
“We have appointed an inspirational director who is committed to ensuring that the experiences and views of children and young people are at the very heart of what the council does, making sure every child has the best start in life and that Shetland is a fantastic place to grow up in,” Sandison said.
And education and families committee chairman Davie Sandison said he was “really looking forward” to working with Flaws.
“Throughout what has been a robust and rigorous process, Samantha has demonstrated passion, commitment, an authentic leadership style and an obvious dedication to the needs of Shetland’s children and young people,” he said.
“She has significant experience of leading change and improvement, and a solid track record of developing strong relationships, both internally and externally.”
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