Highland Director of Social Work to retire in August

Harriet Dempster, Director of Social Work Services, The Highland Council, is to retire in the summer after 36 years service in social work and 11 years at the helm in Highland.

At its meeting on Thursday, the Council paid tribute to Ms Dempster’s contribution to the council and wished her well in her retirement.
Ms Dempster (58) has worked in social work for 36 years.  During her career she has worked as a practitioner, researcher, lecturer and in policy posts. In 1992 she was seconded to the Scottish Office as Assistant Chief Inspector of Child Care and whilst there advised on the follow up to the Orkney Inquiry and the Children Scotland Bill team.

In 1995 she returned to local government to take up post as Manager of Children's Services with Dundee City Council.  Harriet was appointed as an Honorary Professor at The University of Stirling in 1997 and Director of Social Work with The Highland Council in 1999.  Between 1997 and 2000 she chaired the Association of Directors of Social Work Children & Families Committee.

Her long and significant career was recognised by the Association of Directors of Social Work, who elected her as President for the past year.  In that role, she  played a key role in social work across the country, and with the Scottish Government.

Ms Dempster said: “I have spent 11 happy and very satisfying years in the Highlands.  Significant change is taking place in Community Care over the next two years and beyond at both a Scottish Government and local council level and this is a good time for a new director to come and take this project forward and to a conclusion.

“I feel very lucky because I have worked in a profession with lots of dedicated and very able people who make a positive difference to people’s lives day in day out . I also feel very lucky because I am doing something I feel passionate about and so much enjoy."

Councillor Margaret Davidson, Chairman of the Housing and Social Work Committee, said: “Harriet has given The Highland Council great service since arriving in 1999. She has been an excellent public servant, who is recognised throughout Scotland for her contribution to social work services. She has also been a wonderful support to me over the past 10 years. I wish her all the best for the future.”

Bill Alexander will continue in his temporary position as chief operating officer until 30 October, this year, by which time a new director should be in post. The Council will not continue the temporary post of chief operating officer after this time.