In a cluttered office, surrounded by cardboard boxes filled with keepsakes and paperwork, outgoing council boss Bernadette Malone says she will miss being part of a “big, strong family”.
She said it was impossible to choose her proudest moment as chief executive of Perth and Kinross Council, but that she was constantly inspired by the day-to-day achievements of her hard-working team.
“But I will enjoy getting my life back,” she said.
Ms Malone retires this week after 15 in the council’s top job.
The Dundonian joined the authority in June, 1996, taking on the role of strategic planning manager and helping form a vision for the Fair City’s future.
Before that, she was community planning officer in Whitfield, and also worked at Clackmannanshire Council.
She became chief executive in May, 2003.
“I have no idea where the time has gone,” she said. “It has all passed by in a flash.”
She said the role was unlike any other. “You are the ultimate accountable officer. Whilst you are focused on the strategic development of the organisation, you also need to keep sight of what is happening on a daily basis.
“What is most interesting about the job is that you can be sitting having an important discussion about the budget or whatever and you are hit by some kind of emergency. Maybe something to do with the weather or a building failure.
“After time, it comes automatically – you just switch your focus to deal with whatever comes your way.”
Ms Malone oversaw Perth reclaiming its city status in 2012. “That was a major game-changer for us,” she said.
“It was a real catalyst for further development and it definitely helped us grow our ambition.
“Being on that Scottish stage with all the other cities gave us more opportunities and certainly developed pride.”
On the flipside, there were some significant difficulties along the way. “Probably the most challenging times have related to our finances.
“When we were going through the recession in 2009 and 2010, the forecast was pretty dire in terms of council finances.
“I remember the headlines at the time were really negative, and not just for the public sector. There was talk of job losses, and moving to three day weeks, that kind of thing.
“I remember at that time, having tremendous support from the political group leaders. We were very clear that we were going to invest more time in our staff, focus on the positive, and pull together to get through. And that’s what we did.
“That approach made us stronger and put us in a far better position to meet the considerable challenges that are undoubtedly ahead.”
What will she miss most? “The people, definitely,” she said.
“This job has been varied, its been challenging and I’ve had some amazing experiences. But most of all, it has been because of the many, many inspirational staff I have had the privilege to work with.
“Perth and Kinross is a big, strong family and I will miss being part of that.
“I’m not a hierarchy person, I never have been. I always considered myself part of the team.”
She added: “But I think I will enjoy getting my life back. As chief executive, you have to make yourself available 24/7, you are never off duty.”
Ms Malone will be kept busy during her retirement, as a member of a Dundee-based choir and taking on the role of depute chair at Dundee University Court.
The council’s new boss will be Karen Reid, who will stand down as head of the Care Inspectorate.
Council leaders lead tribute
Former council leader Ian Miller was among those who paid tribute.
He said that Ms Malone had had an “incredibly positive impact” on Perth and Kinross Council.
“I was fortunate to spend over 10 years as leader of the council with Bernadette as chief executive so I can probably claim to be as well placed to speak about her abilities as anyone,” he said. “And what ability. I can tell you that the council has been totally transformed during her time.
“Management structures have been streamlined, services have been modernised and improved and the council is in far better shape because of it.”
Mr Miller added: “On a personal note, I am so very grateful to Bernadette for the way that she conducted herself as chief executive during my time as leader. From her expert knowledge of local government, to her handling of complex and often stressful issues, her guidance through difficult times was immensely important for the council. I really can’t thank her enough.”
Murray Lyle, leader of the current Tory/Lib Dem administration added: “The secret of the job was surrounding yourself with the right people and she certainly had that ability.
“I would describe her as a people person.”
He said: “She came in to Perth and Kinross when we didn’t enjoy the best reputation as a local authority, and she is leaving with the council receiving accolades for inspection reports and that is really testament to her leadership.”
