Orkney Islands Council (OIC) has declined broader engagement with the press and public over the unexplained, ongoing absence of its chief executive, Oliver Reid, after elected members were reportedly advised not to discuss the matter.
Silence from School Place
All but one of the authority's 21 councillors did not respond to media approaches this week, and several who did reply said they were unable to comment because the issue was being treated as a staff matter. The lack of commentary coincides with the council communications team directing journalists towards the body’s formal Freedom of Information process for further enquiries.
The absence of Mr Reid has now continued for more than seven weeks. The Orcadian made contact with councillors — excluding leader Councillor Heather Woodbridge and deputy leader Councillor Sandy Cowie — seeking views on the management of the council during the period of absence, the temporary leadership arrangements, and whether members had been given sufficient information.
Councillors' responses and reasons
Three councillors replied to the newspaper’s request. Two issued identical statements asserting the matter was an internal personnel issue and refrained from further comment; one councillor provided a fuller response. Media reports indicate councillors were advised against speaking at a meeting on Monday morning, and that members are not being given the full picture, possibly because some may later be asked to participate in a complaints panel.
“The matter is considered to be an ‘internal staff issue’ and they could make no further comment.”
The council has said it must observe its duty of care to the employee in question. The authority has not provided additional public detail about the reasons for Mr Reid’s special leave or when he might return.
Transparency and public interest
The situation raises questions about transparency and governance. When the most senior official in a local authority is absent for an extended period, the public and staff often seek clarity about interim leadership, decision-making arrangements and any potential impact on services.
At present, the council’s approach places formal requests for information through the Freedom of Information route rather than direct engagement with the press. That process can provide documents and recorded decisions, but it is slower than direct briefings and does not permit immediate clarification of governance or leadership arrangements.
- Duration of absence: more than seven weeks
- Councillors contacted: 21
- Responses received: three (two declined to comment)
Below is a simple summary of contact outcomes reported to date.
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total councillors contacted | 21 |
| Councillors who replied | 3 |
| Replies declining comment | 2 |
For residents and stakeholders, the absence of clear, timely information about who is exercising executive responsibilities during Mr Reid’s leave is likely to be a concern. Local authorities are expected to maintain continuity of services and transparency in governance even amid personnel issues.
The council has not provided additional comment beyond reiterating its duty of care. Journalists and members of the public wishing to obtain official records or decisions relating to the period of absence are being directed to submit Freedom of Information requests to the authority.
This story will be updated as further information becomes available or as the council provides additional detail about interim arrangements and any proposed timescale for Mr Reid’s return.
