Management Team
The Management Team brings together the senior managers in the Commission to discuss and take collective decisions on procedure, staffing and resource issues, and co-ordinate policy advice to the Commission. The Team aims to meet fortnightly.
Nick Reiter, Chief Executive
Responsible for the overall operations and management of the Crofters Commission, including financial controls. Oversees the delivery of effective, consistent and transparent regulatory services and support schemes. Overall responsibility for the efficient management, recruitment, training and deployment of staff. Also ensures that Ministers, the Commission's Convener and Commissioners receive accurate information and objective advice, and that the Commission executes its statutory duties and powers fully and properly. Has a central role in building on external relations, co-operation and communications with key stakeholders and the wider public.
Donald Smith, Solicitor
Legal advice is provided to the Commission by one solicitor who is on secondment from the Scottish Government Legal Directorate. The solicitor advises on a variety of matters including the operation, interpretation and application of the provision of the Crofters Acts and other legislation that affects the Commission's functions and jurisdiction and on the nature and effect of proposed reforms to that legislation. The solicitor will often be directly involved in resolving the succession to crofts and common grazing issues and represents the Commission in proceedings before the Scottish Land Court.
Gordon MacDonald, Head of Corporate Services
Responsible for financial reporting & financial management, maintenance & development of the IT network & IT facilities, & providing a range of administrative support to the rest of the organisation including office facilities, reception, mail & distribution services.
David Balharry, Head of Serving Crofting, Strengthening Crofting and IS
Responsible for managing staff and directing the Commissions powers for regulation and national targets towards delivering long term benefit to rural communities.
John Cowan, Farm Manager
Responsible for running the stud farms and for farm staff. Also has responsibility for the overall operation of the Cattle Improvement Scheme and ensuring an adequate supply of good quality bulls.
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Area Managers - The Commission’s overall area is split into two administrative geographical sub-areas – (i) Northern Isles and Highlands, (ii) Western Isles, Skye, Lochalsh, South & West Inverness and Argyll. Crofting regulation in these areas is supported and delivered through a Team led by an Area Manager. Each Area Manager also has a national lead.
The Strengthening Crofting team works with
communities and key partners to increase the contribution crofting makes to rural communities and to the national outcomes identified by the Scottish Government. A key element of the team’s work is to increase the number of resident and active crofters. In addition, the team also lead on the Commission’s input to local authority development plans by fulfilling its role as a key agency in the planning process.
Hugh MacKintosh, Strengthening Crofting Area Manager
In addition to managing the Strengthening Crofting team Hugh leads for the Commission on the liaison with communities and key organisational partners on partnership working areas and opportunities. He also leads on the Commission’s role in the local authority planning process.
Archie Macnab, Skye, Lochalsh, South & West Inverness, Argyll and Western Isles Area Manager
Also leads the Crofting Support team that operates CCAGS and CHGS across the crofting areas. Provides technical support for the schemes and administrative responsibility for delivery of the schemes though the SGRPID area offices and appointed consultants.
Jane Thomas, Northern Isles & Highlands Area Manager
Also leads on co-ordinating support for the Assessor Network, including recruitment to vacancies, information provision for assessors and the annual Assessor Seminar. In addition, leads on helping the organisation to work within an evidence-based approach, with management responsibility for data analysis, GIS functions and Equality and Diversity.
