Creative Scotland to undergo a major management shake-up, says newly appointed head Janet Archer
Creative Scotland has announced that there will be major changes to its management structure.
The recently-appointed chief executive, Janet Archer, explained that there will no longer be three directors of creative development and instead the senior team will be made of nine directors.
Two of the existing directors, Laura MacKenzie Stuart and Leonie Bell, will have to apply to be considered for a new post. The third, Caroline Parkinson, has already been appointed to the position of director of creative industries.
Kenneth Fowler remains as director of communications while Karen Lannigan continues as director of HR. Iain Munro has been appointed to the position of deputy CEO.
The remaining five posts will be advertised, including: director of arts and engagement; director of film and media; director of funding operations; and director of finance.
A new director of strategy is also being brought in for 12 months to help lead the changes.
“Our current structure isn’t as effective as it should be because it doesn’t make best use of the skills, expertise and knowledge of our staff, or enable best access to these skills. We are also currently operating with four members of our senior team on fixed term contracts. This needs to be addressed,” explained Archer.
In an apparent acknowledgment of the criticisms Creative Scotland faced last year over its running and management, Archer said: I want to build up a better knowledge bank of expertise within the areas we serve. Many staff enjoy working across a number of disciplines alongside their core specialism, and have developed a breadth of knowledge and skills through this approach. We will ensure however that in future we will feed relevant expertise into advice, decision making, and feedback, because we know that’s what is valued."
Recruitment for the new director posts is underway.