Chief Executive's review

When the Chief Executive of the Comhairle was appointed in June 2005, one of his first tasks was to undertake a review of the structures, and to bring forward recommendations for restructuring.

By the time the first draft reached the Councillors, I had already decided I wasn't standing again, and to my discredit I took less interest in the proposals than I should have. I did, however, express my disquiet that they were still in early draft and had not been fully consulted upon with staff, unions or employees who were directly affected.

Two years later, the proposals are still not finished, leaving employees disheartened, unsure of their future prospects, unable to plan with any certainty, and some desperately trying to work out where they fit (if at all) in the possible new structure, as revised.

We all know the impact of poor management on staff, and part of the requirements are for the leadership to be clear and decisive about any changes, and to implement them as quickly as possible to avoid uncertainty, and to keep the staff in general, as happy as possible. Of course some will be upset, but unreasonable delays upset many more.

I understand that the Unions in the Comhairle have had enough and have written to the Chief Executive requesting that further restructuring be cancelled or they will lodge a Grievance, which will result in external organisations assessing the process that has been followed. This is obviously a serious step, and one that shows the extent to which the Unions (and the staff) have become disenchanted with the delay, and indeed the whole process.

One employee described the organisation as "dysfunctional" which is perhaps a bit harsh, but the new council certainly needs to up its game.