After two years, £20,000 and at least 58 failed applicants, Orkney council finally finds its chief executive

By Andrew Stewart, Local Democracy Reporter

November 2 2022, 12:59 pm

Orkney council chambers in Kirkwall. Image: Andrew Stewart/DC Thomson

Orkney Islands Council has found a new chief executive after two years of searching.

The appointment of Oliver Reid was announced by the local authority today. It comes after two years of searching for the right person for the role.

The former head of communities and public protection at Renfrewshire council was appointed following the fourth round of recruitment.

During the first three rounds, Orkney council turned away 58 applicants with no interviews held.

The council also spent over £20,000 during those initial three rounds.

However, the fourth round culminated in interviews being held over the last two days.

Mr Reid must have met the approval of stakeholders and councillors.

Oliver Reid Image: Kirsty Groundwater, Orkney Islands Council

Part of the process saw him, and other chief exec hopefuls, interviewed by full council yesterday.

While it has not been announced when he will start, he will replace interim chief executive of Orkney council John Mundell.

Mr Mundell had only been due to fill the role for six months, taking it on in 2019.

However, due to the pandemic and the failed recruitment rounds, he has held it for over three years.

New chief executive ‘honoured and delighted’ to take up post

Council Convener Graham Bevan said: “We are delighted – after a long search – to appoint Oliver Reid to the role of Chief Executive.

“Elected members were hugely impressed by Mr Reid and his vision for council services in Orkney

“The calibre of candidates for the position was very high and Mr Reid faced strong competition

“Taking on the role of Chief Executive at Orkney Islands Council – with the variety of services it provides, the level of challenges we face as an island authority and, of course, the opportunities that are ahead of us – is a huge undertaking, but one which we wholly believe Mr Reid is well equipped for and ready to face.”

Speaking after his appointment, Mr Reid said: “I am very honoured and delighted to have been appointed to the role.

“I have been struck by the range of services that this council provides; the incredible innovation that takes place in Orkney; and the energy, vision and enthusiasm that I have seen from elected members, stakeholders and senior staff during my time with them over the last few days.

“I am excited and looking forward to starting the next chapter of my life and professional career in Orkney as soon as possible.”