Thursday 10 October 2024
 6.4°C   N Fresh Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Council / 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. Photo: SIC

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.”

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
Advertisement 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.