South Ayrshire Council jobs to go

Nov 7 2008 by Cheryl McEvoy

TWELVE senior officials will be forced to reapply for their jobs as part of a major shake-up of South Ayrshire Council.

Some could face redundancy if they fail to secure a position within the new look management structure.

And it’s understood that this is the first step in a continuing process that will move down the chain of command in the coming months.

The current four council directors have been reduced to just three, with education boss Mike McCabe opting to take a retirement deal.

The existing 12 heads of service will see their posts deleted and replaced with new ones, with different responsibilities.

The move comes just months after new chief executive David Anderson picked up the reigns at County Buildings following the departure of his predecessor Tom Cairns.

He has been working with senior councillors to improve efficiency and give council tax payers a better service.

He said: “Since being appointed at the end of April 2008 I have been observing and considering the operation and design of the directorates and chief officers structure.

“If the council is to make further good progress we need to create a new structure, set new standards of performance and focus on better outcomes.

“I am confident that the enthusiasm, commitment and support that the members of the corporate management team have for the changes will be cascaded to every employee.”

The move was approved by a full meeting of South Ayrshire Council on Thursday and the trade unions will be consulted throughout the process.

The three directors now have responsibility for corporate and business services; development and enterprise and children and community.

Education boss Mr McCabe will retire in March next year.

Changes to chief officers posts have already started and are expected to be in place by the start of the next financial year.

Mr Anderson added: “This council has a highly skilled workforce that is dedicated to serving the residents of South Ayrshire.

“This new structure will give them all the opportunity to operate more efficiently and further improve the services that we deliver.”