Public appointment: Chair reappointed to the Healthcare Improvement Scotland Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Humza Yousaf MSP today announced the reappointment of Ms Carole Wilkinson as Chair of the Healthcare Improvement Scotland Board.

Chair

Carole Wilkinson has been the Chair of Healthcare Improvement Scotland since October 2018, and has led the Board during a challenging period dominated by their response to the pandemic and the work they did and continue to do to support the health and social care system through recovery and reform. This remains her priority as the Chair alongside a focus on quality, safety and improvement. Carole has had an extensive career in social work and social care in the public sector, holding senior posts in England and in Scotland. Her roles in Scotland have included establishing the Social Work Services in Falkirk following Local Government reorganisation in the late 1990s, eventually adding the Housing service; and in 2001, setting up the Scottish Social Services Council, the body responsible for regulating the Social Services workforce. Carole is a lay member of the General Teaching Council Scotland. She brings to the role as Chair her experience of working in the health and social care system, an understanding of the workforce challenges and, following a number of non-executive roles, an understanding of the importance of good governance and in embedding the principles of public life.

Reappointment

The reappointment for Ms Wilkinson is for four years, from 10 October 2022 to 10 October 2026.

The reappointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

The appointment is part-time and attracts a daily remuneration of £178.39 for a time commitment of three days per week.

Other ministerial appointments

Ms Wilkinson 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 Wilkinson has had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s aim is to ensure that the people of Scotland experience the best quality health and care services. They work with people at every level of the health and social care system and make sure improvements in care are informed by the experiences of people who deliver and people who use services.

As a national improvement organisation, they are able to see all of the integration jigsaw and how the parts fit together. This perspective allows them to shape, tailor and provide support that responds to both individual provider’s and system needs, providing a great opportunity to support improvements in the care that people receive.