Public appointment: Chair appointed to Highland NHS Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Humza Yousaf MSP today announced the appointment of Ms Sarah Compton-Bishop as Chair of Highland NHS Board.

Chair

Sarah Compton-Bishop has been appointed as Chair of NHS Highland following five years serving as a non-executive member on the Board. Sarah has a broad range of governance experience across public and third sector organisations, including her work as Chair of the Argyll and Bute Integration Joint Board and NHS Highland Staff Governance Committee. Her career has spanned roles in operational delivery and improvement, strategic leadership and Community Led development in remote, rural communities – something she remains passionate about.

Sarah has worked extensively in and with several volunteer organisations and continues to support initiatives in her local community. Having lived in the Highlands since her teens, Sarah relocated to the Isle of Jura ten years ago where she lives with her partner, children, and collection of animals.  During this time Sarah has lived with, and supported loved ones with long term health conditions, leading to a particular interest in innovative solutions for delivering equitable health care across our diverse geography.

Appointment

Ms Compton-Bishop’s appointment will be for four years and will run from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2027.

The appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

The appointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £33,351 per annum for a time commitment of three days per week.

Other ministerial appointments

Ms Compton-Bishop does 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.   

Ms Compton-Bishop has had no political activity over the last five years.

Background

NHS Highland’s catchment area comprises the largest and most sparsely populated part of the UK.  It is responsible for meeting the health needs of around 320,000 people living in the area, and provides a comprehensive range of primary, community-based and acute hospital services for the population.