The appointment of Fife Council’s new chief executive is a “lost opportunity” because the appointment should have been for a fixed-contract period and his salary based on performance.
That is the view of Rosyth SNP councillor Douglas Chapman who believes the appointment was an opportunity for the council administration to “break new ground”.
Fife Council has appointed a new chief executive, Steve Grimmond, who will be taking on the top job at Scotland’s third-largest local authority in July.
Mr Grimmond is the executive director, environment, enterprise and communities at Fife Council and has been with the organisation since 2005.
Mr Chapman said: “I wish Fife’s new chief executive, Steve Grimmond, all the very best in his new job. However, this appointment was an opportunity for the council administration to break new ground.
“Many Fifers will be surprised to know that their council’s chief executive earns more than Scotland’s First Minister, yet unless he seriously blots his copybook, the chief executive could be in this post for the rest of his career and then collect a generous pension, irrespective of his performance.”
Linda Erskine, executive member for corporate services and finance, said: “We do not work in a bonus culture. We expect all our managers to perform to a high standard, none more so than the chief executive, who is paid accordingly.
“Any under-performance would be managed through an appraisal process.
“The appointments committee included representatives from all political parties The issue of moving to performance-related pay for the chief executive’s position was discussed as an option but there was no support for it.
“There is no question of this being a lost opportunity, as it was an option which was considered and rejected. We look forward very much to working with Steve Grimmond, our new chief executive.
“We have some real challenges in place over the coming years but there is a shared determination to see Fife continue to improve on performance and I believe we will be well prepared to meet those challenges together.”
Mr Grimmond has said it was an “honour and a privilege” to become chief executive of Fife Council. “I relish the opportunity to work with the elected members and staff of the council to ensure we best serve the people and communities of Fife,” he said.
Mr Grimmond joined Fife Council as head of community services, before being promoted to executive director, housing and communities. Previously, he has held a variety of posts, including director of leisure and arts, at Dundee City Council as well as area manager at Aberdeenshire Council.
Mr Grimmond lives in Broughty Ferry with his family and particularly enjoys culture, sport and the arts. He is also a director of Creative Scotland.
Fife Council leader Alex Rowley said: “I’m delighted to announce Steve Grimmond’s appointment and we look forward to working with him to deliver the best possible services for the people of Fife.
“This is an extremely important appointment to head up the management of such a large and complex organisation, at a time when we face unprecedented levels of change and financial challenge.”