Graham Garbutt
Chief Executive
Graham Garbutt retired from his role as Chief Executive of the Commission for Rural Communities in March 2009.
Graham was appointed as the first chief executive of the Commission in 2006 and shaped its work with a strong focus on economic and social disadvantage in rural England. The Commission’s successful policy interventions on issues such as dispersed poverty, affordable housing, rural planning, access to healthcare and devolved decision-making flowing directly from this. He gave particular priority to understanding and supporting rural economies through the new challenges they face. He was also the Commission’s accounting officer, responsible to Parliament for its efficiency and effectiveness.
Previously Graham was chief executive of the Countryside Agency and before that was Regional Director at the Government Office for the West Midlands. This followed a number of senior posts in local government including chief executive of Gloucester city council. Graham’s work nationally, regionally and locally has provided a broad base of experience and he has also maintained a strong interest in European networks, having managed major regeneration programmes. He has been president of the European-wide association of government regional heads, and worked with the OECD on rural and regional issues.
Earlier background included corporate planning, community development, housing and planning for major emergencies. His academic background includes a first class degree in Architecture and a Masters in Town and Regional Planning. Graham is married to a hospital consultant and they have three children.
