Member Appointed to the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

The Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care, Kevin Stewart MSP, today announced the appointment of Kathryn Henwood as a Member of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland.

Member

Kathryn Henwood currently works for Fife Council, as Head of Education and Children’s Services, Justice Services and CSWO. She has 35 years’ experience in social work, working across Local Authorities and the third sector, in Scotland and England. Kathryn has predominantly worked with children and families, though started her career working in mental health services and in residential care with older people. She has worked across child protection committees, been a Guardian ad Litem and an Associate Assessor in Inspections as part of the Child Protection Reform programme. She has been an associate lecturer for the Open University for over 15 years, teaching courses around Leadership and Management across health and social care. Kathryn is a passionate advocate for people’s rights and works hard to ensure that the voice of experience informs all of her work and future approach.

Appointment

The appointment will be for four years, and will run from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2027.

This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

The appointment is part-time and attracts a daily fee £248.13 for a time commitment of up to 15 days per year.

Other ministerial appointments

Kathy Henwood does not hold any other ministerial appointments.

Political activity

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.  

Kathy Henwood has had no political activity over the last five years.

Background

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (the Commission) protects and promotes the human rights of people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia and related conditions.  The Commission has a key statutory role in safeguarding individual rights and monitoring how the principles of mental health and incapacity legislation are applied in practice.  Through direct interventions in the care and treatment of individuals using mental health and learning disability services, providing guidance and conducting investigations, the Commission has a strong influence on the quality of care and treatment provided of some of the most vulnerable people in our community.