Public appointment: Member appointed to Lothian NHS Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray MSP today announced the appointment of Kirsty Macdonald to Lothian NHS Board.

Member

Kirsty Macdonald brings 20 years of experience as a lawyer in private practice to her role on the NHS Lothian Board.  A University of Edinburgh graduate, she worked in the market-leading pensions practice of a city law firm advising trustees and employers on the legal issues affecting occupational pension schemes.  As well as advising on strategic exercises and projects, Kirsty specialised in giving ‘plain English’ advice on complex technical issues and matters of governance to her trustee clients, with a particular focus on regulatory issues, breaches of law, complaints and discrimination. She is looking forward to transferring these skills to her role on the Board.  She hopes that her experience in principles of governance will make her well-placed to support considered and robust decision-making. 

Appointment

This appointment will be for 3 years and will run from 10 June 2024 to 9 June 2027.

This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

This appointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £9,030 for a time commitment of 52 days per year.

Other ministerial appointments

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

Background

NHS Lothian is responsible for protecting and improving the health of the 850,000 population across Lothian and works closely with local authorities and third sector partners in providing an integrated system of community-based health and social care across East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian and West Lothian. They also provide some services for patients in the Borders and in Fife and are a national centre of expertise for some specialties provided to people across Scotland.