Orkney council chief 'suspended over disciplinary matter'

The chief executive of Orkney Islands Council has been suspended pending an investigation into a disciplinary matter, the BBC understands.

Oliver Reid went on a period of special leave in May with no indication of when he would return.

The local authority has refused to make any further comment and continues to maintain Reid is on special leave from his senior role.

Four senior members of staff have been taking it in turn to run the organisation in his absence.

Special leave is often used to describe exceptional circumstances linked to personal or family matters such as health issues and bereavement.

The BBC understands these do not apply in this case and the chief executive's absence from work relates to a disciplinary process.

Employment experts have questioned the use of such a vague term and the lack of transparency around the authority's interim leadership arrangements.

Giles Woolfson, a director at McGrade and Co employment lawyers in Glasgow, said the term "special leave" was normally only useful when concealing the actual reason for the absence.

It is understood Reid, who joined the council in January 2023, came in to work as usual on Monday 25 May.

At the council headquarters he was met by council leader Heather Woodbridge and sent home.

Council staff were informed by email soon afterwards.

In a short media statement, the council said: "Oliver Reid is on a period of special leave and interim acting-up arrangements are in place."

Councillors have told the BBC they do not know why Reid is absent.

The BBC understands the council is using delegated powers to cover the chief executive's absence which were never intended to be applied for more than a short period.

So far, Islands Council directors Stephen Brown, James Wylie and Gareth Waterson have taken a turn at holding the reins. Their colleague Lorna Richardson is expected to take over as chief executive during August.

Workplace and recruitment expert Shan Saba from Brightwater Staffline said it was not an acceptable way to run an organisation. Professor Richard Kerley from Queen Margaret University described it as very unusual. He said "I've looked back through various records. I can't recall seeing or hearing or reading about such an arrangement in the past three or four decades."

Councillors met in private to consider governance arrangements last week but there has been no update on the arrangements since that meeting.

In a brief response, Orkney Islands Council said "The Chief Executive's special leave is an individual staffing matter. On legal advice, the Council does not comment on individual staffing matters."

At the end of this summer, council leader Woodbridge will also be away from her role when she takes maternity leave.

Reid is set to see his salary rise from £133,350 to £165,755 in November following the introduction of a new pay framework for council bosses.