Public appointment: Chair and Members appointed to the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration

The Minister for Children, Young People and the Promise today announced the appointment of Cathie Cowan as Chair and the appointment of Lynne Clow and Steve Renwick as Board Members of the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration.

Chair

Cathie Cowan began her career as a nurse and worked in the NHS for 35 years, 28 years of those at board level, including Director of Nursing and Chief Executive roles in NHS Orkney and NHS Forth Valley. At NHS Orkney Cathie also held the position of Director of the Health and Social Care Partnership and served as an Executive Director on Orkney Islands Council for a number of years. Cathie is passionate about high quality public services and improving the lives and outcomes of the people of Scotland whilst supporting staff. Cathie was selected and awarded a Health Foundation Scholarship on the Generation Q Ashridge Leadership programme, which led to her completing a Masters degree in Quality Improvement and Leadership. Cathie is a strong believer in the children’s hearings system and served previously as a volunteer member of the children’s panel.

Members

Lynne Clow is an experienced senior Executive with over 25 years’ experience working as an HR and Shared Services Director across banking and energy sectors Lynne is a graduate of the University of Strathclyde and Napier University. She was previously chairing member as a children’s panel volunteer and was a Non-Executive of UK wide charity called We Are With You.

Steve Renwick is a vastly experienced Executive and Non-Executive Director. He has been a Non-Executive with NHS Lothian, Disclosure Scotland and Fife Cultural Trust. He is currently Director of Finance for Together for Children Sunderland Limited, an Ofsted Outstanding Children’s Services company owned by Sunderland City Council. Steve is a retired Chartered Accountant. As a Non-Executive, Steve has chaired many committees especially Audit and Assurance Committees.

Appointment

Cathie Cowan and Steve Renwick’s appointments will be for 4 years and will run from 17 June 2024 to 16 June 2028.

Lynne Clow’s appointment will be for 4 years and will run from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2028.

These appointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

Cathie Cowan’s appointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £225.92 per day for a time commitment of 8 days per month.

Lynne Clow and Steve Renwick’s appointments are part-time and attracts a remuneration of £190.99 for a time commitment of 1.5 days per month.

Other ministerial appointments

Lynne Clow is a Non-Executive Director of Highlands and Islands Airport Limited, for which she receives remuneration of £319.97 per day, for a time commitment of 2 days per month.

Cathie Cowan and Steve Renwick do not hold any other public 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.   

Cathie Cowan, Lynne Clow and Steve Renwick have had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

The Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA) is a national body focused on children and young people most at risk. SCRA was formed under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1994 and became fully operational on 1st April 1996. SCRA’s main responsibilities as set out in the Act are:

• to facilitate the work of Children’s Reporters
• to deploy and manage staff to carry out that work
• to provide suitable accommodation for Children’s Hearings

The children’s hearings system provides the operational setting in which SCRA and partner agencies work. The aim is to provide a safety net for vulnerable children and young people, and deliver tailored solutions which meet the needs of the individuals involved, while helping to build stronger families and safer communities.