The chief of health and social care in North Ayrshire’s mysterious departure from his position has been confirmed as the council advertises for his replacement.

Stephen Brown, formerly director of North Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and chief officer of the Integration Joint Board (IJB), has not been active in his role for a number of months.

At the latest meeting of North Ayrshire’s IJB, the governing body of the HSCP, the recruitment of Mr Brown’s successor was discussed.

The chair of the meeting, Councillor Robert Foster, took the opportunity to pay tribute to the health chief who had held the position since August 2017.

Cllr Foster said: “We’re all aware now that Stephen has left his post as director of [HSCP] and chief officer.

“My thanks as chair, and I hope I speak for the majority of the board if not all of the board, it was really enjoyable working with Stephen as director and chief officer of the IJB.

“He was a great support to me and I know many others in the IJB and he has a lot he can be proud of in terms of driving the organisation forward.”

Cllr Foster said Mr Brown spearheaded an initiative to change the culture with the HSCP with ‘real drive and ambition’.

He said: “I’d like to take the opportunity to formally thank Stephen for his time as chief officer and director of the [HSCP].”

The vacancy, which is for both jobs, was advertised on October 23 and closes for applications on November 11.

The role entitles the successful applicant to a salary of between £81,863 and £115,114.

North Ayrshire Council, the HSCP and NHS Ayrshire and Arran refuse to comment on individual employees and so have not explained why Mr Brown had left his job.

They will not comment on allegations that Mr Brown is the subject of an inquiry regarding action during his time in office.

Irvine Times: Helen McArthur, principal manager of Health and Community Care and North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (left), is also said to have left her position.Helen McArthur, principal manager of Health and Community Care and North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (left), is also said to have left her position.

Helen McArthur, understood to be Mr Brown’s partner, is the principal manager of Health and Community Care at the HSCP and, with the role of head of the department vacant, she is understood to have been reporting directly to him.

Responding to a request for comment about Ms McArthur being suspended from her position, a council spokesperson said: “We do not comment on HR-related matters.”