Bernadette Malone, the ‘trailblazing’ head of Perth and Kinross Council, announces retirement.

Bernadette Malone hailed for her work in 15 years at top

The “trail-blazing” head of Perth and Kinross Council has announced her retirement.

Chief executive Bernadette Malone will stand down from her £125K post at the beginning of July.

She has been in charge for 15 years, following a long career in local government spanning back to 1990.

The move comes at a time of change at the local authority.

Conservative councillor Murray Lyle has been confirmed as leader, following the sudden death of Ian Campbell earlier this month.

Meanwhile, councillors recently approved plans to save £300,000 a year, by cutting the number of chief officers.

Ms Malone said: “It has been a tremendous privilege to be chief executive of one of Scotland’s leading council for the past 15 years.

“The council has a fantastic workforce.

“I consider myself very fortunate to have worked with so many talented and dedicated people, including community leaders and representatives.”

Mr Lyle led tributes to Ms Malone, who joined the council in 1996. “We in Perth and Kinross have been extremely fortunate to have Bernadette as our chief executive for the last 15 years,” he said.

“Perth and Kinross is a sector-leading organisation, at the forefront of many public sector innovations, particularly around child welfare and education. This is the legacy Bernadette will leave behind and we wish her the very best in the future.”

Ms Malone had previously worked at Tayside Regional Council and Clackmannan District.

She has a master of arts degree from Dundee University, a teaching certificate and diploma in education.

In 2012, she was awarded the CBE in recognition of her services to local government.

SNP MSP Roseanna Cunningham said Ms Malone was a “pioneer and trailblazer for women in the highest echelons of local government administration, one of the first women to be appointed to the position of chief executive of a Scottish local authority”.

Former council leader Ian Miller added: “Bernadette provided outstanding support to me and my fellow councillors as well as inspirational leadership of the council workforce.

“Many of her innovations have been ground breaking within local government.

“I wish her all the very best and many years of good health in her retirement.”

“I consider myself very fortunate to have worked with so many talented and dedicated people. BERNADETTE MALONE

Picture: Steve MacDougall. Bernadette Malone, centre, has been praised as a “pioneer”in local government as she steps down from being chief executive of Perth and Kinross Council.