Head of housing to retire early as council restructures management

SIC head of housing Chris Medley has been granted early retirement and will step down at the end of January.

Mr Medley has worked for the council since coming to Shetland from Rutland County Council in January 2000.

He said: “During my time with the council I have seen housing staff display the highest standards of professionalism. I am pleased to have known them and proud to have worked alongside them. I would like to thank them all for their support and wish them all well for the future.”

Executive director of education and social care Hazel Sutherland said: “Chris has been a big part of the council’s management team and is a very respected colleague. He will be a miss, but I would like to take this opportunity to wish him and his family well for the future.”

Chief executive Alistair Buchan, who has been asked to carry out a review of the SIC management structure, said: “At a time when the council and the community are facing very difficult service choices to reduce costs, it’s appropriate that the cost of management and administration is reduced.

“Changes in the management structure like these can create opportunities for career progression within the council but crucially, also provide the framework to reduce the overall number of management posts.”