Comhairle mired in “unfairness” row
A formal complaint has been submitted to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar over their recruitment process for a new chief executive, after one of the short-listed candidates was denied an interview as they were unable to get to the island due to Storm Bram.
It is understood the candidate, whose identity is not being disclosed, said they had kept the council abreast of the travel difficulties all along and even offered to do the interview online over Teams. However, this was rejected and the interview effectively cancelled.
Last week, the Comhairle announced that the new chief executive, who will take over from Malcolm Burr next year, is to be Martin Joyce, who has prior experience of working in the Western Isles as Head of Operations for the £125 million Western Isles Schools Project.
However, concern over how one of the candidates – who is of island origin - was treated threatens to discredit the process, with the council now having to field accusations of unfairness, if not impropriety.
A document has been circulated to all councillors making them aware of the situation and it is understood that a private meeting was held on Monday. It called for a “clear explanation of whether the process followed met the legal, procedural, and governance standards”.
The document is unsigned other than stating it is from a concerned “resident of the Western Isles”.
Outlining the background circumstances, it said that the “candidate was returning from an overseas business trip that had been planned before the interview date was confirmed”.
They “re-arranged return travel” early and arrived in Scotland “more than 24 hours in advance of the scheduled interview”.
“Later on Tuesday, all scheduled flights to Stornoway were cancelled due to severe weather conditions,” the document continues. “Alternative travel options were actively explored; however, it was confirmed that no air or ferry services were operating. Further attempts were made on Wednesday morning to secure onward travel, but services remained disrupted due to the same adverse weather conditions.
“Throughout this period, it was widely understood that travel to the Western Isles was not realistically achievable. The only flexibility offered by the council was to move the interview from the morning to later in the afternoon on the same day. No alternative arrangements were offered.
“As a result, the interview was allowed to lapse despite the candidate having returned to Scotland in good time and having made reasonable efforts to attend in person.”
The document says that “the interview procedure was designed internally” and added: “Clarification is sought on how appropriate separation between officer advice and elected member decision-making was ensured, given this was an appointment to the statutory role of Head of Paid Service.”
It also asks councillors “whether they were aware of the interview circumstances affecting shortlisted candidates, and whether they were satisfied that the process met governance standards”.
It is understood that an approach has now been made to the Public Services Ombudsman in relation to raising a formal complaint.
A Comhairle spokesperson said that “no interviews were cancelled and the process ensured fairness and equity to all candidates.”
They added: “The interviews were carried out in accordance with established recruitment procedures, and all Comhairle Members were provided with accurate information in relation to these procedures. The Comhairle’s appointments process met the legal and governance standards required of a Scottish local authority.”
Announcing the appointment of Martin Joyce as new chief executive, Comhairle Leader Paul Steele said that he was “appointed from a strong selection of candidates following a thorough and competitive recruitment process”.
“Martin brings a wealth of leadership experience and a proven track record of delivery across the private, public and third sectors,” he added.
“At a time of development and opportunity I am confident that Martin will provide the leadership and strategic direction that the Comhairle and the Western Isles need.”
A qualified architect, Mr Joyce began his career in the private sector before moving to roles with Hub West Scotland, Scottish Borders Council and the University of the West of Scotland.
At Scottish Borders Council Martin served as Director of Assets and Infrastructure for 4 years. In this role he had overall responsibility for a wide-ranging service and the delivery of the Council’s £350m 10-year capital programme.