Council / Council director to step down after three decades of SIC service
A DIRECTOR with more than three decades of service to Shetland Islands Council is set to begin a phased retirement in May.
John Smith, the council’s infrastructure services director, will help support the SIC’s transition to a new management structure from next month.
He will also provide continuity as the council seeks to employ a new director of place.
Smith joined the council in 1994 as computer services manager and has since held a number of senior roles, including head of organisational development and executive manager for ports and harbours.
He was appointed director of infrastructure in 2017. Reflecting on his career, Smith said that working for the council had been a “hugely rewarding experience”.
“It has given me the opportunity to support people and communities across Shetland in a variety of roles, alongside many dedicated colleagues.
“From my early days working summer jobs in the construction department and at Scord quarry, through to the past 30 years in the council, I have greatly valued the work I have been part of.
“I now look forward to continuing to support the council during this period of change, which I am sure will be both interesting and rewarding.”
Councillors approved plans for a major management restructure in March, focusing firstly on those at director level, which is expected to be in place by October.
Attention will then turn to executive manager and team leader roles, which oversee the council’s front-line services.
Under the new arrangements the council will continue to operate with five directorates, which are: governance, people and resources, education and children’s services, community health and social care, and place.
The newly created place directorate includes housing, roads and transport, ports and harbours, and economic development. Chief executive Maggie Sandison said the restructure is an important step in ensuring the council is equipped for the future.
“This is the first significant review of our senior management structure since 2011, and the context in which we operate has changed considerably over that time,” she said.
“The demands on services have evolved, and our relationships with partners and government continue to develop. “The new structure will ensure we have the right leadership capacity in place, with services aligned to support efficiency, resilience and our ability to deliver transformation while maintaining performance.
“The introduction of the director of people and resources and depute chief executive role will further strengthen our leadership capacity and support the council in meeting future challenges, while maintaining strong governance and stewardship of public resources.
“We recognise that change can create uncertainty for staff, and we remain committed to clear communication and engagement throughout the process, including with our trade union colleagues.”
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