Head of Planning and Regulatory Services Appointed

Orkney Islands Council has appointed a new Head of Planning and Regulatory Services.  

Gavin Barr will take on responsibility for a range of diverse services including development management, planning policy (which includes access, climate strategy and marine planning), building standards, environmental health and trading standard.  

He qualified as a chartered town planner in 2005 and previously worked for the Council between 2007 and 2021, before returning to the organisation in December 2023 as Economic Development Manager.   

Following a competitive process, Gavin took on the Head of Planning and Regulatory Services role on an interim basis earlier this year – and now after a further competitive interview process this week has now been appointed on a permanent basis.  

He said: “I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead such a talented and committed team.  Regulatory Services often involve managing a range of issues in order to protect or to serve public interest. At the end of the day our role as Council officers is to manage processes as efficiently as possible in order to support good outcomes which will ultimately support our communities to develop and grow sustainably - whilst also protecting our unique environment.    

“It is an exciting time in which to be taking on this role, and I look forward to working alongside colleagues, elected members and other stakeholders; and to engaging widely with communities over the coming months and years to develop and deliver the Services we provide to our islands.” 

Hayley Green is the Council's Corporate Director for Infrastructure and Organisational Development.  She said: “I'm delighted to welcome Gavin into this role on a permanent basis, he brings a lot of experience as well as a deep and long-held commitment to serving the Orkney public -  we have seen great examples of that whilst he has been in the interim role and I am sure there is much more to come." 

Heads of Service are a pivotal part of the extended Corporate Management Team, sharing leadership responsibilities and accountability for the success of the Council. They provide a critical link between the operational and service delivery requirements of the council and the formulation and implementation of service and organisational strategy at Extended Corporate Leadership Team level. 

Recruitment processes are currently underway for a Head of Active Communities and a Head of Education.