Public appointment: Chair appointed to Dumfries and Galloway NHS Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray MSP today announced the appointment of Mark Cook as Chair of Dumfries and Galloway NHS Board.

Chair

Mark Cook has spent over 35 years in roles within the health and life science sector. He co-chairs the Life Sciences Industrial Leadership Group in Scotland, working closely with the NHS, Academia and Industry with the goal of benefitting Scotland through economic growth, health improvement and internationalisation. In the public sector Mark chairs the Scottish Public Pensions Authority Teachers Board. Commercially and in the public sector Mark is an advocate for good governance and has chaired boards, undertaken consulting roles, supported life science companies, worked in sectors like pharmaceuticals, health and medical technologies, pensions and EPSRC research groups. He is passionate about Scotland’s Health Service and contributing to the Board’s work in ensuring that it continues to deliver a high quality service to its population.

Appointment

This appointment will be for 4 years and will run from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2029.

This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

This appointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £48,516 for a time commitment of 156 days per year.

Other ministerial appointments

Mark Cook 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.   

Mark Cook has had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

NHS Dumfries & Galloway is responsible for meeting the health needs of the 150,000 people living in the region and works with partner organisations to provide a comprehensive range of primary, community-based and acute hospital services tailored for the whole population.