Public appointment: Deputy Chair appointment extended on the Accounts Commission for Scotland Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, Shona Robison, today announced the extension to the appointment of Andrew Burns as Deputy Chair of the Accounts Commission for Scotland. 

Deputy Chair 

Andrew Burns has extensive leadership and management experience across the private, public and voluntary sectors. He has served on the Commission since 2018 (taking up the Deputy Chair role in 2024), is a former Leader of City of Edinburgh Council, former Convener (Chair) of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), current Chair of the Edinburgh Union Canal Society, and is undertaking a part-time PhD at the University of Edinburgh Business School. 

Extension 

This extension will be for 1 year and will run from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2027. 

This extension is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner. 

Remuneration 

This extension is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £17,655.84 per year for a time commitment of 4.5 days per month. 

Other ministerial appointments 

Andrew Burns 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.   

Andrew Burns has canvassed on behalf of 'Scottish Labour Party' Local Government candidates within the last five years.  

Background 

The Accounts Commission is the public body responsible for reporting on the finances and performance of Scotland’s 32 councils, 30 Integration Joint Boards and other local government bodies. 

The Accounts Commission plays a significant role in Scottish public life, providing independent assurance to citizens about their local councils’ use of public money and about how these councils are performing. The Commission holds councils and other local government bodies to account and ensure that they provide best value for their communities. The Commission operates independently of local government and of the Scottish Government, and reports in public. 

Accounts Commission | Audit Scotland