Public appointment: Chair reappointed to Architecture and Design Scotland

The Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, announced the reappointment of Ann Allen as Chair of Architecture and Design Scotland.

Chair

Ann Allen is Director of Campus Innovation and Development at the University of Leeds. A Chartered Surveyor with over 35 years’ experience, Ann has worked for such organisations as John Lewis; HBOS and UK Government. She was Executive Director of Estates and Commercial Services at the University of Glasgow to 2020. Ann also uses her property knowledge to support other organisations and is a member of the Scottish Futures Trust Board; a Trustee of National Museums of Scotland; and sits on the Water Commission for Scotland Board. She is Chair of the Scottish Board of Women in Property. Ann was awarded an MBE in the 2018 New Year Honours List for services to Higher Education and in February 2019 she received the Business Leadership Award at the Scottish Property Awards.

Reappointment

This reappointment will be for four years and will run from 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2026.

This reappointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

This reappointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £216.46 per day for a time commitment of up to four days per month.

Other ministerial appointments

Ann Allen is a Member of the Water Industry Commission for Scotland for which she receives remuneration of £265 per day, for a time commitment of one day per week. She is also a Trustee of the National Museums Scotland. Trustees are not remunerated but the time commitment is one day per month.

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.   

Ann Allen has had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

Architecture and Design Scotland was established in 2005 to promote good architecture and sustainable design.

We do this by working with other organisations to encourage a focus on place that embraces good architecture and urban design.

We are an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body and our work supports the delivery of the Scottish Government’s objectives and outcomes as set out in the National Performance Programme (NPF).