Orkney Council Chief Suspended Over Disciplinary Matter
Oliver Reid, the chief executive of Orkney Islands Council, has been suspended pending an investigation into a disciplinary issue, according to information obtained by the BBC.
Mr Reid commenced a period of special leave in May, with no clear indication of when he might return to his duties. The council has declined to provide further comments, maintaining only that Reid remains on special leave from his senior position.
In his absence, four senior council staff members have been rotating responsibility for managing the organisation.
Special leave is typically associated with exceptional circumstances such as personal or family matters, including health issues or bereavement. However, the BBC understands that these reasons do not apply in this instance and that the chief executive's absence is connected to a disciplinary process.
Details of Suspension and Council Response
Oliver Reid joined Orkney Islands Council in January 2023. On Monday, 25 May, he reportedly arrived at the council headquarters as usual but was met by council leader Heather Woodbridge and sent home. Council staff were subsequently informed of the situation via email.
In a brief media statement, the council said:
"Oliver Reid is on a period of special leave and interim acting-up arrangements are in place."
Councillors have expressed that they are unaware of the reasons behind Reid's absence. No further comments have been made by council leader Heather Woodbridge or other officials. It is also noted that Woodbridge is expected to take maternity leave at the end of the summer, which will temporarily remove her from her leadership role.
Concerns Over Transparency and Leadership Arrangements
Employment experts have raised concerns regarding the use of the ambiguous term "special leave" and the lack of transparency surrounding the council's interim leadership arrangements.
Giles Woolfson, a director at McGrade and Co employment lawyers in Glasgow, stated that the term "special leave" is generally used to conceal the actual reason for an absence.
The council is reportedly relying on delegated powers to manage the chief executive's absence, powers that were not intended for extended use.
So far, council directors Stephen Brown, James Wylie, and Gareth Waterson have each taken turns managing the council's operations. Lorna Richardson is anticipated to assume the role of chief executive during August.
Workplace and recruitment expert Shan Saba from Brightwater Staffline commented that this is not an acceptable way to run an organisation.
Last week, councillors met privately to discuss governance arrangements, but no updates have been provided since that meeting.
Salary and Future Prospects
Oliver Reid is scheduled to receive a salary increase from £133,350 to £165,755 in November, following the implementation of a new pay framework for council executives.
