As reported by SHN last year, Mr Wilkie-McFarlane had decided to stand down after seven years of service.

After several months of examination of the best way forward, WHA’s management committee chose continuity and stability and asked Martin to remain in post as their director, up to the end of its current business plan period.

In anticipation of the departure, Wellhouse is now recruiting a successor.

Maureen Morris, chair, said: “We were keen to retain Martin’s expertise, especially in light of our first tentative foray into development for 10 years. In light of this, after our options review concluded, we approached Martin to see if he would be willing to remain with us to deliver the strategic objectives of our current business plan. I am glad to say that, after careful consideration, he agreed.

“Martin has already delivered on the main areas of working with our partners to progress our development and flood mitigation plans, to review our commercial portfolio and work with us to boost committee skills. In addition, he has already produced draft one of our new three-year business plan and we are aware that we need several months’ planning time to recruit a new director and with that in mind, we are now beginning the process.”

Martin Wilkie-McFarlane added: “I am really pleased to have helped the committee achieve their development plans and place them in an ideal position for their next business plan period. I will remain in post until the successor is appointed.”