Orkney Islands Council leader Heather Woodbridge has confirmed that interim management arrangements covering for suspended chief executive Oliver Reid will remain in place for as long as necessary, though she declined to give a specific timeframe. Reid has been on special leave since May 2026, and the council has not disclosed when he might return to his post. Woodbridge said she was legally restricted from commenting further on the matter.
The council previously confirmed that Reid's absence was linked to a disciplinary investigation, as reported in earlier coverage of Oliver Reid's suspension amid a disciplinary investigation. Since then, senior directors have rotated responsibility for the chief executive's duties on a monthly basis, though the council has offered little additional detail publicly.
What has the council said about the situation?
Woodbridge told BBC Radio Scotland's Around Orkney programme that she was unable to discuss any aspect of the case involving a member of staff. She stated:
I cannot say anything at all in relation to the chief executive or his special leave. This is an ongoing matter relating to a member of staff and therefore I am unable to make any comment.
According to a national broadcaster's report, the council has only issued a brief statement noting that Reid is on a period of leave and that interim acting-up arrangements are in place, without elaborating on the reasons behind his absence.
Who is covering the chief executive's duties?
Four council directors have been sharing responsibility for the role, each taking a month-long stint. According to the same report, directors Stephen Brown and James Wylie were assigned to cover the position during the first two months following Reid's departure from active duty.
Woodbridge expressed confidence in the team managing the authority during this period, saying:
I think the important thing to reflect here is that we have a hugely experienced senior team in the council who do excellent work for Orkney, and work tirelessly. I have confidence and faith in our senior team in terms of this interim arrangement.
She added that the council continued to function smoothly and that the rotating leadership structure would remain under review for as long as it was required.
How does this fit with the council's recent leadership history?
Reid's suspension comes not long after he took up the chief executive role, having succeeded interim chief executive John Mundell, according to information published on the council's own website. Mundell had held the interim post for roughly three and a half years before Reid's appointment, meaning the authority has now experienced an extended period without settled permanent leadership at the top of its organisation.
What else has the council announced?
Separately, Woodbridge welcomed a funding award of £203,133 towards converting St Rognvald's House care home in Kirkwall into accommodation for health and social care workers. She said the completed project could eventually house up to 40 people. The funding forms part of a wider £3 million allocation from the 2026-27 Islands Programme Fund, shared among 13 island-based projects.
What happens next?
Based on the current arrangement described in reporting from a national broadcaster, the acting-up rota among senior directors is expected to continue on a month-by-month basis beyond the initial two months already assigned to named directors. No date has been given for a decision on Reid's long-term status or for any resolution of the disciplinary investigation.
- Oliver Reid has been on special leave since May 2026 amid a disciplinary investigation.
- Council leader Heather Woodbridge says she is legally restricted from commenting on the case.
- Directors Stephen Brown and James Wylie covered the first two months of the acting-up arrangement.
- Reid had recently succeeded John Mundell, who served as interim chief executive for about three and a half years.
- The council received £203,133 to convert St Rognvald's House into housing for up to 40 health and social care workers.
