A rural health and social care partnership is re-running a recruitment process after the last round failed to appoint a new chief officer.

Argyll & Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) announced in March 2021 that it had taken the ‘difficult decision’ not to appoint anyone to the role permanently following interviews with candidates.

The partnership, which has faced concerns over workplace harassment and bullying uncovered by a 2019 review, is looking for a candidate with ‘a strong track record in driving culture change’.

Fiona Davies, the former mental health lead for NHS Highland, stepped up to lead the partnership as interim chief officer.

The vacancy arose following the move of the former chief officer, Joanna Macdonald, to the Scottish government.

The HSCP had faced criticism about its handling of the fallout from the Sturrock review of bullying in NHS Highland.

A local MP accused Argyll & Bute HSCP of resisting an independent investigation into the claims and sweeping staff complaints ‘under the carpet’.

In July 2021 a survey of staff working across the partnership found the organisation had made progress, but 56 reported bullying and harassment was still ongoing.

The postholder, who will be responsible for more than 3,000 staff and a budget of around £307m, will receive a salary of £105,488 per year.

Read more: Argyll NHS bullying response ‘stretches credibility’; Highland healing process deadline pushed back; National vaccine system a “challenge” for rural areas

Sign up to our bulletin for key health & social care updates straight to your inbox.