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  • Dr Richard Allan

Dr Richard Allan

Chief Operating Officer, Evidence and Water Resilience

Richard ensures our work here at SEPA is guided by strong science and reliable information in his role as Chief Operating Officer, Evidence and Water Resilience. This, along with his work leading teams across monitoring, research, flooding, water resilience and ecology, helps him shape policies that support a low‑carbon, climate‑ready Scotland.  

He is also Chief Scientific Advisor. This role sees him bringing together leadership on environmental evidence, monitoring, modelling, data and innovation. 

Richard joined SEPA in February 2026 with over 30 years' experience across science, engineering and transformation. He has led major innovation, evidence and multi‑disciplinary teams.