Who's Who

Chief Executive

Katrine Sporle

Responsibility, within delegated powers, for managing the Agency. Accountable to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and the Welsh Assembly for managing the Agency’s operations and for its performance against Ministerial targets.

Director of Casework

Mark Southgate BA (Hons) BTP MRTPI

Responsibility for casework management within Ministerial targets and in line with the Inspectorate’s overall mission and objectives.

Director for Wales

John Davies BSc MRTPI

Responsible for all matters relating to the Planning Inspectorate in Wales and for liaising with the National Assembly.

Director of Development Plans, Policy & Quality

Rynd Smith LLB MA MRTPI FRSA

Responsible for all planning policy issues, including the consistent application of policy. Also responsible for professional career development and training for Inspectors and quality assurance.

Director of Finance, Resource & Business Planning

Kevin Woodrow PhD ACA BA

Responsible for efficient and effective delivery of Finance and Business Planning, Resource Management, Procurement and Administration, Management Information, IT systems and networks, and accommodation to meet business needs.

Non-Executive Director

Ms Jane Earl was Chief Executive of a local council between 1999 and 2003.  She was the first Director of the Assets Recovery Agency (2003-7) and is currently (interim) Chief Executive of the Rich Mix Arts Centre.  She has worked at Strategic Board level for the last 8 years and is currently contributing to the Valuation Office Agency and Rich Mix Arts Centre Boards.

Non-Executive Director

Mr Deep Sagar has extensive senior level experience in both the public and private sectors, including Coca Cola and Unilever Bestfoods, and as Chair of NHS 24.   His current appointments include Chair of LEASE, Board member of Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation, member of Employment Tribunals and member of the Casino Advisory Panel. 

Non-Executive Director

Professor Colin Jones has a wealth of experience at both Executive and Non Executive levels in the public sector (Health and Local Government) and at Senior Civil Service level in the Welsh Office. He is currently a Trustee of the National Museum of Wales, a visiting Professor of Humanities and Social Science at the University of Glamorgan, and Chairman of the Welsh Advisory Group of the Royal National Institute for the Deaf.