New Chief pledges to be an “effective champion” for Orkney and the Council

Moving to Orkney with his family for a “unique role in a unique location” demonstrates the commitment that Orkney Islands Council’s new Chief Executive is making to the community that he is now serving.

Fife-born Oliver Reid comes to the county with 30 years’ experience of local authority working and says there’s no other place that he would rather be to begin the next chapter of his career and leading an organisation for the first time.

“It may sound like a cliché, but for me, this is my dream job. I would not have wanted this role just anywhere, but what Orkney and the Council have to offer collaboratively is simply too good an opportunity to miss,” Mr Reid said.

“Not only does it mean I get to settle in one of the best places to live in the UK among a strong and welcoming community with a vibrant culture and sense of place and identity, but also the opportunity to play a significant role in making a difference to the lives of all Orkney’s residents.

“That’s not something I say lightly. I do have a great responsibility, not just to the staff employed at the Council but to their families, friends, neighbours and everyone who makes up all our communities. I feel immensely privileged to have been given this chance.”

Mr Reid is married to Lorna, a self-employed textile artist and designer, and they have a 19-year-old daughter who is studying art and design, incorporating jewellery, at university.

Most recently he spent eight years as a Chief Officer at Renfrewshire Council where he was responsible for civil contingencies, public protection and public health amongst other services during the time when the Council was responding to the COVID pandemic.

Mr Reid is confident that the hurdles dealt with through those times, stand him in good stead for whatever lies ahead.

“Times are challenging and there’s no doubt that together we are going to have to make some difficult decisions when it comes to our priorities, and that’s why, first and foremost, as I settle into the role I am listening and learning, getting to know Orkney and the Council better.

“I will be visiting communities and services to understand their needs and aspirations better and the unique challenges and opportunities faced by everyone who lives and works here.”

Mr Reid believes that partnership working is key to future success.

“I have a strong belief in the power of working in partnership - across the Council and with other public, third sector and private sector organisations, locally, nationally and even internationally. I think this is the best way to deliver for the whole community and to respond to the challenges that face all communities over time. I have a strong track record in developing successful partnerships that have benefitted communities where I have worked before.”

During his first week, Mr Reid met with elected members, officers and other members of staff.

“It’s already clear that Orkney has a strong Council. The focus, determination and commitment of elected members and staff to do the absolute best for the communities that they represent and the ambition of the Council is obvious, and one of the things that most attracted me to this role.

“I believe a key part of what I do is to be an effective champion for the Council and for Orkney - making sure that the best case is always being made for the people and communities of Orkney, whenever, and wherever decisions are being made that affect them.”

There’s no doubt that there are many challenges ahead, but Mr Reid says he’s ready to tackle them head on.

“There are a range of national challenges and pressures affecting all Councils that are also impacting Orkney - both in our communities and in the Council. But where there are challenges there are also opportunities and I am looking forward to seeing how we can work together to drive home change for the better.

“The Council has already begun a journey of improvement under the interim Chief Executive, John Mundell. I am grateful for his vision and commitment on which I will now strive to build - bringing my own leadership and experience to this role.

“Developing a strong team is vital and the Our People, Our Plan programme puts staff at the heart of what we do. This, combined with the recent Investors in People Award which endorses the path the Council is on in terms of developing our values and culture, is essential for becoming an employer of choice in Orkney and elsewhere.”