Public appointment: Member appointed to the Board of Environmental Standards Scotland

The Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Gillian Martin MSP, today announced the appointment of Laura Anderson nee Young as a Member of the Board of Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS).

Under the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021, Scottish Ministers may appoint individuals to ESS only if the Scottish Parliament has approved the appointment. The Scottish Parliament has approved the appointment of Laura Young as a new member of the Board of ESS.

Member

Laura Anderson holds academic qualifications in Geography and Environmental Science BSc, University of Dundee (1st Class), and Environmental Protection and Management MSc, University of Edinburgh (with distinction). She is currently undertaking a PhD in Climate Resilience and Community Engagement at Abertay University and the University of Dundee. Laura has experience working with a range of different community groups, charities and organisations across Scotland, for both environmental causes and intersectional issues. Throughout her career, communication and influencing have been central to her work. She brings extensive experience across digital/social media, written and spoken communication, with a proven track record of shaping public conversations around environmental issues.
Her commitment to environmental protection is longstanding, deeply rooted in both personal motivation and professional practice.

Appointment

This appointment will be for 4 years and will run from 01 April 2026 to 31 March 2030.

This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

This appointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £5,535.92 per year for a time commitment of 2 days per month.

Other ministerial appointments

Laura Anderson 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.   

Laura Anderson has had no political activity within the last five years. 

Background

Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) vision is:

‘By holding public authorities to account, we will ensure that Scotland’s people and nature benefit from a high quality, healthy environment through improved compliance with and better implementation of effective environmental law’. 

ESS’ functions are set out in the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021.