A huge, big thank you - from Interim Chief Executive John Mundell

Dear All,

I cannot thank you all enough for the kindness that has been shown to me and for the unbelievable support during my time in Orkney. It has been a wonderful positive experience despite the many challenges we have faced together especially during the pandemic. No one foresaw the Pandemic and Orkney Islands Council, its public and voluntary sector partners, and most importantly Orkney folks and businesses, responded incredibly well to the challenges caused by the Pandemic and in such a successful manner.

It was an enormous compliment to be asked by our Leader, Councillor James Stockan on behalf of the Council in 2019 to consider helping out again for a few months. The rest is history and 3 years 7 months later, the Council can now move forward with a talented Corporate Leadership Team and its new permanent Chief Executive, Oliver at the helm to work together and to build from the new foundations that are in place and benefit from the positive work already completed.

I am immensely proud of the commitment, dedication, and strong work ethic that all my colleagues from Corporate Directors up to our frontline staff consistently demonstrate and for all that you have achieved during my time and continue to achieve, day in, day out, throughout every year.

You are all great people and epitomise everything that is positive about being caring public servants in local government and I now appreciate how different it is, and how challenging it can be, working in a small island community. It is certainly not easy but for me the excessive hours worked have been hugely rewarding and worth every minute.

To our Conveners, Leader, Elected Members, past and present during my time, I wish to thank you all for the support and challenges you have given me which I believe has been extremely positive overall. The Leader’s shared Leadership approach adopted by the Council works really well and, in my opinion, should be continued.

I was overwhelmed last Thursday to see so many people and to hear very kind words and to receive so many wonderful gifts. I have also been humbled by the kindness shown to me since then by so many. I will treasure my memories of Orkney which will forever have a place in my heart.

Finally, Orkney is a special place with very special people and I wish everyone of you, all the very best for a healthy and prosperous future.

With many thanks and kindest regards,

John

John W Mundell OBE, Interim Chief Executive

Orkney Islands Council