Public appointment: Chair appointed to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition, Màiri McAllan MSP, today announced the appointment of Lisa Tennant as Chair of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

Chair

Lisa Tennant is a Chair and Non-Executive Director with wide ranging experience across the private, public, and charitable sectors. Her previous Board roles include Forestry & Land Scotland and the Scottish Land Fund, where she championed environmental interests. Lisa's background in regulation includes positions at the Energy and Communications Ombudsman, Consumer Council for Water and Scottish Solicitors Discipline Tribunal. Committed to diversity, she is an advocate for Neurodiversity and serves as an Ambassador for Women on Boards. She is committed to leading a collaborative culture, emphasising the power of collective efforts aligned to a clear strategic vision. Integrating ecological considerations with economic growth, Lisa is committed to fostering a cleaner, greener Scotland for all.

Appointment

The appointment is for four years from 1 January 2024 until 31 December 2027.

The appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration and time commitment

The appointment attracts remuneration of £341.75 per day for a time commitment of twelve days per month.

Other Ministerial appointments

Lisa Tennant does not hold any other public appointments in Scotland.

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.

Lisa Tennant has had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is Scotland’s principal environmental regulator, protecting and improving Scotland’s environment. Scotland’s environment is a precious and unique resource that is at the heart of our commitment to deliver for Scotland.

It has a unique and visionary statutory purpose: to protect and improve the environment in ways that, as far as possible, also create health and wellbeing benefits and sustainable economic growth.  As a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government with around 1,300 staff across Scotland and a budget of over £93 m, SEPA is responsible for delivering two fundamental services – environmental regulation and flood risk management.