We’re pleased to announce 2 appointments to the Council’s Senior Management Team in recent weeks. Philip Martin has been appointed as the new Chief Fire Officer for the Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service and Tamar Smethurst has taken up the role of Airport Manager at St Mary’s Airport, having been promoted from Deputy Manager Air Traffic Control.
Philip Martin, Chief Fire Officer, Council of the Isles of Scilly
Philip Martin took up his role on 12 July 2025, having previously held senior positions including Brigade Manager and Interim Chief Fire Officer. He brings over 3 decades of operational and strategic experience in UK fire and rescue services, specialising in multi-agency collaboration, emergency preparedness and response, and community safety. He has led emergency services through major incidents, capital projects, and organisational change, holds a postgraduate qualification in Strategic Leadership and Management and is a Fellow of the Institution of Fire Engineers.
Most recently, Philip worked as an Inspector for His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, where he helped to shape performance and policy across the sector at national level.
Philip is familiar with the Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service, having previously contributed to a Peer Review, which sought to provide an independent and objective evaluation of the service’s operational performance. Recently, he also completed regular shifts on the islands over a 4 year period in a clinical role as an Emergency Care Assistant with South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
Philip Martin, Chief Fire Officer, Council of the Isles of Scilly said: “I’m honoured to take on this role and serve the Isles of Scilly community. This is a unique opportunity to combine my lifelong dedication to fire and rescue services with my passion for delivering community-focused, resilient public service in a very special part of the country. I recognise the distinct challenges and strengths of delivering emergency services in island communities. My goal is to provide stable, values-led leadership that strengthens our service and supports a safe, sustainable future for island residents and visitors.”
Tamar Smethurst, Airport Manager, Council of the Isles of Scilly
We’re also delighted to confirm that Tamar Smethurst has taken up the role of Airport Manager at St Mary’s Airport, following the departure of Russ Schild, who has stepped down from the role after 14 years of dedicated service.
As many of you will know, Tamar began her journey with the Council in 2008 as an Airport Administrative Assistant and has progressed through several roles, including Trainee and fully qualified Air Traffic Control Officer, Deputy Manager Air Traffic Services, and now Airport Manager.
Tamar Smethurst, Airport Manager, Council of the Isles of Scilly said: “I am so thrilled to have been appointed the Airport Manager; it has been an incredibly challenging and fulfilling journey to get here. I’d like to thank all of the teams at the airport for their continued support, as well as my colleagues from across the Council and the community as a whole.”
Cllr Robert Francis, Chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly and Chairman of the Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service, welcomed both appointments, saying: “I’m sure you will all join me in congratulating Philip and Tamar on their appointments to the Senior Management Team.
I’m delighted to have someone of Phil’s calibre and experience leading our Fire and Rescue Service. His vision and leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of emergency services on the Isles of Scilly and I know he will be well-supported by the whole service.
I am also extremely pleased that Tamar’s talent and years of perseverance have been rewarded by her promotion to Airport Manager. Tamar trained to be an air traffic controller and is now progressing in the responsibilities of airport management. Her career path is a great credit to her and an example of the Council’s commitment to ‘growing our own’ and supporting internal growth through training opportunities and hard work, and one which we hope will inspire others.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Russ Schild for his contribution and commitment to St Mary’s Airport over the years and wish him all the very best for the future.”