Bradford Council's three newest senior managers might be in their posts for just a few months.

The former department heads have been made acting directors of three services but their responsibilities could soon be taken away in a restructure.

They were appointed after three directors left the authority within days of each other at the end of last year.

Stan Kidd has taken over from Kersten England as acting director of policy and performance. He was formerly the department's head of service for improvement and was moved after Miss England was seconded to work for the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber.

Kath Tunstall, a former head of services for children and young people, took over as acting director of social services from Alison O'Sullivan. Mrs O'Sullivan, a former Bradford social worker, opted to leave her director's role for a new post at neighbouring Kirklees Council.

And the authority's acting head of finance is now Sue Mawson, a former head of financial services. She took over from Steve Morris who landed a top job at the British Library at the start of the year.

Their futures are in doubt because of a planned restructure which will slim the number of top posts from 12 to six. Discussions with unions are due to conclude next month.

Vanda Rodgers, the Council's human resources director, said: "Consultation on the top management restructure is still ongoing.

"We have complete confidence in the ability of all the people who have stepped into interim or acting senior management roles."

David Kennedy, Bradford Council's interim chief executive, is behind the restructure. He was appointed in November after chief executive Philip Robinson retired early.

He made clear his intention to press ahead with the restructure before his own retirement later this year, saying it would prepare the way for his long-term replacement.

Mrs Rogers said the process of finding that replacement is continuing and the Council is in contract negotiations with an executive search consultancy.

l In November, the T&A reported three senior officers - assistant chief executive Mark Carriline, education director Phil Green and asset management director Linda Carmichael - were the subject of internal investigations.

It is understood the investigation involving Mr Green and Mr Carriline was linked to the same personnel issue.

The T&A had earlier revealed Mrs Carmichael had been suspended in June pending an inquiry into the Council's Asset Management Project.

A Council spokesman today refused to respond to the T&A's questions on the status of these issues and said: "We do not discuss individual investigations and we have nothing to say at this time."