Council Appoints to Head of Service Role

Orkney Islands Council has appointed a new Head of Service for Neighbourhood Services.

The appointment of Lorna Richardson is part of a refresh of the Council’s corporate management structure, coming as the organisation strives to improve its performance, deliver on its ambitious priorities and improve confidence in the organisation across staff, partner organisations and the public. Lorna will be responsible for the delivery of critical frontline services such as waste and recycling, roads, burial grounds, engineering and flood management. Brought up in Balloch, just outside Glasgow, Lorna has been connected to Orkney for 25 years, moved here in 2019 and has been interim Head of Neighbourhood Services since September 2021.

Lorna comes from a background of both private and public sector work, in environmental and engineering consultancy and in local government support, previously holding posts with CoSLA and Zero Waste Scotland and began with the Council in 2019 as Strategic Policy and Projects Manager, gaining experience and achieving promotion throughout her time here.

Lorna is a keen gardener and enjoys the Ba, supporting Orkney RFC and spending time in Papa Westray in her spare time.  

Commenting on her appointment, Lorna said: "I am delighted and honoured to be given this opportunity to make a real difference to the people of Orkney through ensuring that these critical services are delivered in a way that meets the needs of all our communities across the county.  I have inherited a terrific team whose energy and enthusiasm and desire to do a great job is an inspiration and I look forward to working with them all.”

Hayley Green is Corporate Director for Neighbourhood Services and Infrastructure. She said: “Lorna has done a great job since taking on the post on an interim basis, and has got stuck into supporting her teams as they deliver these key services to all Orkney folk. Excellent customer service is at the heart of everything that she does, and I congratulate Lorna on her appointment.”