Recruitment process agreed for Chief Executive’s post

The Highland Council has agreed the process for recruiting a new Chief Executive, following the announcement by Alistair Dodds, Chief Executive,  that he will retire on 31 August.

The post, which carries a salary of £140,112, will be advertised on Friday 3 May with a closing date for applications on Friday 17 May.

The appointment panel will comprise 10 members (4 Independent Group members; 3  SNP, 2 Liberal Democrat and 1 Labour).  The chairman will be Convener Councillor Jimmy Gray (Labour).

It will meet next week to agree the timetable for interviews.

Mr Dodds, Chief Executive for the past 6 years, has given more than four months notice of his retirement to enable the Council to find a replacement before he steps down.

From Kelso, in the Scottish Borders, Mr Dodds moved to the Highlands in 1991 as Depute Director of Manpower Services with the former Highland Regional Council. In 1995, he was appointed Director of Personnel. Three years later he was appointed Director of Corporate Services and Depute Chief Executive with The Highland Council.