Recruitment for £122k council boss to go ahead despite last year's uproar

Despite coming under fire last August for the enormous pay package included, Highland Council is now going ahead with its push to recruit a depute chief executive at a salary of £122,812.

The recruitment process was paused last year after uproar at a finance committee meeting when councillors agreed to suspend the matter until it could be more fully discussed.

Tensions were high at the meeting in August 2020 and the chairman, Councillor Alister Mackinnon, was initially reluctant to go into the matter but agreed to allow a vote to proceed. Councillors, fresh from the controversy of the local authority paying £936 a day for an education consultant, baulked at another highly priced appointment. Throughout, members were angered by the way the news was revealed to them through colleagues rather than being informed by the administration or the chief executive’s office.

A review was also launched to look at whether the senior management structure "delivered according to its original aims".

In its release issued today, Highland Council said it is currently seeking "an ambitious individual" to provide strategic leadership and direction on major initiatives linked to the its recovery and transformation.

The release continued: "The successful candidate will work as part of the council’s Executive Leadership team, nurturing and growing Highland Council’s vision of creating a strong and expanding sustainable economy built on fairness of opportunity for all."

Cllr Margaret Davidson, the local authority's leader said: “This is a unique opportunity to work with us in the Highlands. We are looking for the right person to contribute, lead and help make public services in the region the very best they can be. We have ambition to take Highland into a low carbon future with our people supported and with good work opportunities."

Depute leader, Councillor Alasdair Christie added: “This is an extremely important post which will play a key role in taking the council forward at this crucial time as we all start to exit from the impacts of the pandemic. It is an exciting time for a senior leader to join the Highland Council, providing strategic vision and with a focus on transformation and embedding a culture of continuous improvement.”

The post will support the chief executive, providing strategic leadership and direction on major initiatives and strategies. Recruitment for the position follows councillors’ agreement on a "slimmer top tier" in a revised senior management structure.

The closing date for the £122,812 per annum, permanent full-time post is Monday, July 5. A removal and relocation package of up to £6,500 is available.

Anyone interested in the position can apply for it at www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/highland-council/jobs/depute-chief-executive-220575

Council bosses forced to halt recruitment for new deputy chief executive

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