Temporary measures have been announced to plug the gap while Moray Council’s director of education and social care is on secondment.
Fears had been raised the department could be left without a head for up to two years while post holder Laurence Findlay is assigned to the Northern Alliance, which comprises councils across the north of Scotland.
However, it was announced yesterday that a member of staff would be appointed to temporarily step up to the post. Interviews are due to be undertaken for the position this week.
Council leader George Alexander said: “A decision has been made to appoint someone to act up for the four days a week that Mr Findlay is not with us.
“A final decision on what jobs may have to be advertised will then be made after further discussions with the group leaders of councillors.”
It is understood that Moray Council is recovering five-sixths of Mr Findlay’s salary while he is on a secondment to the Northern Alliance.
Speyside Glenlivet councillor Derek Ross had previously raised concerns that leaving the director’s post vacant could hit attempts to boost teacher recruitment to the area.
Yesterday he described the decision to appoint someone to the position temporarily as “excellent news”.