The Highland Council is delighted to announce that Richard Whetton will be joining the organisation as Chief Officer Business Solutions.
Richard brings extensive senior leadership experience across complex public sector environments with a strong track record of delivering strategic transformation, organisational improvement and high-quality services at scale.
Currently Head of Governance, Compliance and Performance with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Richard leads a large multi-disciplinary corporate portfolio with responsibility for areas including executive support, board governance, strategic planning, performance and reporting, data governance, risk management, digital transformation, legal services and customer services. In this role, he has strengthened corporate governance and board assurance, developed organisational strategy and performance frameworks and led significant digital and data modernisation programmes to support and improve evidence-based decision making across the service.
Prior to this, Richard held senior leadership roles across the public sector including with Police Scotland and Edinburgh College. He has also held national advisory roles supporting Scottish Government policy on community safety and police and fire reform.
Earlier in his career Richard held leadership and advisory roles within Local Government and the Scottish Government
Richard holds a BSc (Hons) in Behavioural Science and has undertaken extensive professional development including a Diploma in Corporate Governance, digital leadership programmes and a range of leadership, risk, and programme management qualifications. He is an Affiliate Member of CIPFA and a Certified Data Protection Officer.
The appointment of Richard Whetton further strengthens the Council’s senior leadership team within the Corporate Cluster, supporting the continued delivery of strategic priorities and high-quality services across the Highlands under the leadership of Allan Gunn, Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate).
Convener of the Council, Cllr Bill Lobban, said: “I would like to congratulate Richard on his appointment and welcome him to The Highland Council. He brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Council.”
Leader of the Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner, added: “With this latest appointment I am pleased to see the Council’s senior management structure continuing to strengthen. The new structure is forecast to deliver efficiencies and support a more streamlined and effective approach to service delivery for the communities of the Highlands.”
Richard Whetton said: “I am delighted to be joining The Highland Council and to have the opportunity to serve the people of the Highlands. I look forward to working with Elected Members, colleagues, communities and partners to ensure that our corporate services and systems support the best possible service delivery for local communities."