Highland Council’s director of care and learning Bill Alexander has announced his retirement.
Mr Alexander began with the local authority in 2000 in a joint post with NHS Highland as head of children’s services.
He had previously worked as a social work manager in Strathclyde and East Dunbartonshire Councils.
Over the last 18 years, he has held the posts of social work director and director of health and social care.
The changes in remit and job title reflected significant advances in service delivery, as Highland developed new and integrated models for health, care and education.
Mr Alexander was involved in leading these changes, particularly in children’s services and health and social care integration, that were then adopted across the country.
In a message to staff , the director said he was giving early notice of his intention to retire in October, in order to provide time for the council to appoint his successor.
He said: “While the decision to retire will create a void in my life, my partner and I are well ahead in planning for what comes next, and while I am looking forward to that, I shall also value every day of the remaining months working with colleagues in Highland and across the country.”
The Council will be promoting the vacancy in due course over the coming months.
