Meet the Team

Patrons

Planning Aid for Scotland has two patrons: Rt Hon. Henry McLeish, Former Scottish First Minister and Professor Greg Lloyd, Professor of Urban Planning & Head of the School of the Built Environment, University of Ulster.

To read more about Henry McLeish's appointment as a patron of PAS, click here.

Board Members

The PAS board is chaired by Ian Angus, Chair and RTPI representative. Ian is joined by Charlie Woods, Peter Marshall, Graham U’ren, Keith Winter, Helen Robertson, Irene Beautyman, Alison Polson, Eugene Mullan and Richard Slipper.

Staff Team

Petra Biberbach

Chief Executive

Tel: 0131 220 9738

E: petra@planningaidscotland.org.uk

As Chief Executive, Petra heads up the PAS staff team and oversees the organisation’s strategic direction and development. With her outward-facing role, Petra represents the organisation externally, creating new opportunities for PAS to improve engagement in planning.

Petra serves as the key point of liaison with the PAS Board. In day to day operations, Petra is supported by a team of portfolio managers, support services and a PA.

Lynn Wilson

Manager – Education Programmes

Tel: 0131 220 9732

E: lynn@planningaidscotland.org.uk

Lynn’s role is to develop strategic partnerships between the planning and education sectors. Engagement in planning and local decision-making is a key part of the Active Citizenship agenda for young people, as set out in the Curriculum for Excellence. Through our suite of education programmes, PAS works to bring young people into the planning process and decision-making in their built environment.

Lynn has been leading our work with Education Scotland and in securing recognition of our IMBY™ education programme as an example of ‘inspiring practice’ for active citizenship in the Curriculum for Excellence.

Kathryn Hilditch

Manager – Training & Mediation

Tel: 0131 220 9734

E: kathryn@planningaidscotland.org.uk

Kathryn is a chartered planner (MRTPI) and manages our training and mediation services. When not developing new programmes and materials, Kathryn is usually to be found delivering events the length and breadth of Scotland, with the support of our network of volunteers.

During her time with PAS, Kathryn has worked extensively with Gypsy/Travellers and other seldom-heard communities, to help ensure that planning engages with everybody in society.

David McAllister

Manager – Business Development & Communications

Tel: 0131 220 9733

E: davidm@planningaidscotland.org.uk

David is a licentiate planner and heads up communications at PAS, including press, web, social media and parliamentary liaison. Collaborating closely with each of the portfolio managers and colleagues, David works to maximise awareness of and opportunities for PAS.

With an academic research background in public participation in planning, David oversees the development of SP=EED™ engagement services.

Mark Armstrong

Manager – Advice & Mentoring

Tel: 0131 220 9730

Helpline: 0845 603 7602

E: mark@planningaidscotland.org.uk

Mark runs our flagship Planning Advice Service. When members of the public contact the Planning Advice Service, Mark co-ordinates a response from our network of volunteers (all chartered planners). In addition, Mark leads the Planning Mentoring Scheme for community groups seeking advice on building community assets.

Robert Pickles

Manager – Volunteering & Interns

Tel: 0131 220 9737

E: robert@planningaidscotland.org.uk

Volunteering is at the heart of what we do at PAS and Robert is the lynchpin, bringing our volunteers and staff together to provide all of our services. In addition, Robert manages our internship opportunities.

Robert has been instrumental in helping PAS achieve Investing in Volunteers status, not just once but twice. The accreditation recognises our professional approach to volunteer management – and it ensures that our volunteers stay happy!

David Wood
Manager – Planning & Policy

Tel: 0131 220 9736

E: david@planningaidscotland.org.uk

David is a chartered planner (MRTPI) and heads up planning and policy at PAS, providing responses to policy consultations and representing PAS in various fora and networks. As an experienced planner, David also provides input and support to the Planning Advice Service.

Jenny Pendreigh
Manager – Support Services

Tel: 0131 220 9731

E: jenny@planningaidscotland.org.uk

Jenny heads up our Support Services team, ensuring that the office runs smoothly and that the lights stay on! Jenny also manages our finances and can help answer any questions relating to invoicing or payments.

Deanne Cullen
PA to Chief Executive & Support Services

Tel: 0131 220 9739

E: deanne@planningaidscotland.org.uk

Deanne is an integral part of the Support Services team, also providing support to the Planning Advice Service. Deanne is also PA to the Chief Executive, managing Petra’s diary and appointments.

Laura MacDonald
Support Services

Tel: 0131 220 9730

E: laura@planningaidscotland.org.uk

Laura is part of the Support Services team and works closely with Kathryn to ensure the smooth organisation and delivery of our training events.

Moray Davidson
Support Services

Tel: 0131 220 9730

E: moray@planningaidscotland.org.uk

Moray is part of the Support Services team and works closely with David Wood, Robert Pickles and David McAllister, providing support for the Planning Advice Service, the SP=EED™ range of products and volunteer services.

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