Two significant appointments have been made as part of Shetland Islands Council’s ongoing management restructure.
Current Finance Manager Paul Fraser will be the interim Director – People & Resources (Section 95 Officer), taking on a portfolio which includes Finance, HR, Assets & Property, Transformation, Climate Change and Waste Services. Paul has held the position of Executive Manager, Finance since January 2023.
Kristen Johnston, who is currently Legal Team Leader, will be the Director – Governance (Monitoring Officer). This role includes responsibility for Legal Services, Digital and Technology, Procurement and Internal Audit, as well as Emergency Planning and Resilience. Kristen joined the Council as a Trainee Solicitor in 2001.
Chief Executive Maggie Sandison: “I’m very pleased to be able to say we have filled these two new roles, and it’s a tribute to the strengths and quality of our own staff that these are internal appointments. We are building a strong leadership team to help drive the Council forward at an exciting and challenging time for local government.
“Paul and Kristen’s input will be critical to the next stages of the restructure, which will focus on the next tiers of management. There’s also a key directorial role still to fill – that of Director – Place, which we hope to be able to recruit to in a few months.
“In the meantime, my congratulations to Kristen and Paul who will start in their new roles on 1st September. Both bring valuable experience and I look forward to seeing the positive contributions they will make to the organisation.”