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John Smith has announced he is to retire as director of infrastructure services at Shetland Islands Council.He will begin a phased retirement in May, following more than three decades of service as the council implements a new management structure.Smith joined the council in 1994 as computer services manager before being appointed as a director in 2017.He said: ‘Working for the council has been a hugely rewarding experience. It has given me the opportunity to support people and communities across Shetland in a variety of roles, alongside many dedicated colleagues.‘I now look forward to continuing to support the council during this period of change, which I am sure will be both interesting and rewarding.' Donna Frost has been appointed as Bexley LBC's deputy director of legal and democratic services and monitoring officer.Frost joined the council in 2024 as head of social care and litigation and deputy monitoring officer.She has previously held the role of joint head of child protection at Invicta Law and was part of the legal team at Kent CC for eight years.Frost said: ‘I'm excited to take on this important role at Bexley at such a key time for the borough. I'm lucky to have an experienced and dedicated team working with me to support the council's priorities and ensure strong governance and effective delivery.' Clive Heaphy is to remain in post as interim section 151 officer at Somerset Council until March 2027, the authority has confirmed.Rachael Sanders, director of finance at Herefordshire Council, was due to take up the role but has decided not to proceed for personal reasons.Jason Vaughan stood down from the role at Somerset in September 2024, to be succeeded by Maria Christofi and, from 2025, Heaphy, as interim appointments.Heaphy is a former chief executive at Middlesbrough MBC. Dumfries and Galloway Council has appointed Larann Foss as head of education resources.Foss is currently the council's schools manager of property and has previously worked in education leadership, school estate management and digital services.He began his council career in education as a teacher of technical education.Chief executive Dawn Roberts said: ‘Larann brings strong experience and a deep understanding of education services in Dumfries and Galloway. He has led major programmes of work, managed complex resources and shown a clear commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.' Liverpool City Council has appointed Maisie Taylor as accelerator city sustainability project manager within the council's culture team.Taylor joined Liverpool in 2024 as part of the Local Government Association's impact graduate scheme. Her role will include embedding sustainability into upcoming major sporting events in the city such as the Tour de France stage and UEFA Euro 2028.A spokesperson said: ‘The role reflects the council's ongoing commitment to climate action through culture, and to using Liverpool's global cultural profile to support practical, inclusive and ambitious responses to the climate emergency.' Haringey LBC's corporate director of children's services, Ann Graham has formally taken up the role of president of the Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS).She said: ‘I am a firm believer in the power of relationships and the endless possibilities for positive change and hope. That is why I became a social worker and it's why I decided to put myself forward for the presidency.'Haringey's chief executive, Andy Donald, said: ‘Ann is an inspirational and tireless advocate for children and young people.‘I have no doubt that her expertise, drive and commitment will see her excel in this important position, and councils across the country will only benefit from her leadership.'

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Director to stand down after 30 years' service

By Martin Ford | 16 April 2026

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