A New Start beckons in the Isles of Scilly

It may be the UK’s smallest unitary authority but the scope of its work is as impressive as the scenic islands it serves.

Just ask Paul Masters, who joined the Council of the Isles of Scilly as chief executive in 2020 having previously had a stint running Cornwall Council, one of the country’s largest authorities.

He put retirement plans on hold when the council needed a new chief at the beginning of the pandemic and it’s proved to be one of the highlights of a local government career spanning more than 40 years.

‘They needed help and I could see it was a fantastic opportunity in an absolutely unique location. The population of the islands is just 2,100 but the council is a full blown unitary with all the services and delivery you’d expect and a whole lot more. For example, we run the airport and the fire and rescue service.

‘It’s got the same pressures as everywhere else but also the challenges of being 28 miles out in the Atlantic!’

Whoever succeeds Paul as chief executive will inherit firm foundations and a programme of exciting projects either in the pipeline or underway.

They include a housing scheme, modernisation of the council’s care home, £10m investment in sea defences and plans for a museum and cultural centre. Like many areas, the council is also working closely with NHS colleagues to embed greater integration between health and social care.

Members and officers have worked hard to raise the profile of the Isles of Scilly, the challenges it faces and the need for greater funding, and it’s now a priority area for Levelling Up funds.

The new chief executive will continue this work, representing the Isles of Scilly at all levels, including on the Islands Forum, to ensure investment in key areas such as new passenger and freight vessels – crucial to the sustainability of the islands.

‘The CEO needs to be someone with a wealth of experience, particularly in terms of major project delivery,’ says Paul. ‘But you are coming to a place that’s stable, where the finances and governance are in good order, and so it’s really about continuing that improvement.’

With around 180 staff, the local authority is one of the islands’ largest employers and the scale and scope of its work makes it integral to many aspects of community life.

Adaptability and interpersonal skills are key in a place where the council is so close to its community, says Paul.

‘Because of the scale of the services we operate and the small workforce we have, it means by definition we have staff with many hats that you wouldn’t see in another council. So as well as being chief executive, I’m the accountable manager for the airport. My director of people services leads on adults, children, community safety and public health. But with that brings an incredible opportunity to widen your career and become more resilient in your job.’

While tourism dominates half the calendar from Easter to October, the winter months can bring challenges when bad weather hits and ships can’t deliver goods for days or even weeks on end. Resilience is therefore very much part and parcel of island life, he says.

‘Just as we at the council have to adapt and often find ourselves working in areas we’ve never experienced before, the residents here help each other out. People learn to be very resilient and the community is incredibly strong.’

He adds: ‘Being an island community, everybody knows everybody and as CEO you are probably one of the most prominent leaders on the islands. People will know who you are very quickly and you really do get to hear what people think about the council, services and even your leadership style!

‘That’s why you need to be the sort of person who is a strong, collaborative leader and is keen to be highly visible. We have 16 councillors, all independent, and the way they work is incredibly productive and supportive. It’s all about focusing on the needs of the community.’

Many local authorities talk about the work-life balance they offer but few can compete with the Isles of Scilly’s natural environment. The archipelago is made up of around 140 islands – all providing a stunning backdrop in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty – but with just five being inhabited and the majority of residents living on St Mary’s.

‘The rewards are massive in terms of the quality of life here,’ says Paul. ‘It’s an incredibly healthy place to live and work because you walk everywhere or get on your bike. It’s a unique and amazing location to spend part of your career.’

The Council of the Isles of Scilly are now looking for Paul’s replacement. The successful candidate will enjoy a role at the heart of the community and will lead on a number of exciting projects in 2024, including a new museum and cultural centre.