OIC appoints first of its new executive directors

Orkney Islands Council has appointed two executive directors after interviews conducted at two special meetings of the full council.

Leslie Manson has been appointed executive director, education, leisure and housing, and Gillian Morrison, as executive director, corporate services.

The meetings, held on Monday and Tuesday, followed a decision by elected members last month to reduce the senior management team at the OIC, from 34 to 18 in the number of chief officer posts, with annual savings of £1.16 million.

It means the council will have four executive directorates in future — Orkney Health and Care; education, leisure and housing; corporate services and development and infrastructure.

No appointment was made for the post of executive director, development and infrastructure. This post will now be advertised externally.

The post of executive director, Orkney Health and Care, is already filled on an interim basis by Cathie Cowan, chief executive of NHS Orkney.

To complete the restructure of senior management, 13 heads of service will also be appointed, with interviews due to take place next month.

There will be a phased introduction of the new arrangements, with the new senior management structure expected to be fully operational by the start of the 2012-13 financial year.