Public appointment: Member appointed to the Healthcare Improvement Scotland Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Humza Yousaf MSP today announced the appointment of Professor John Gibson as a Member of the Healthcare Improvement Scotland Board.

Member

Professor John Gibson is qualified in both Dentistry and Medicine, having pursued a life-long career in academic and clinical Oral Medicine.  He was, until recently, Head of the University of Aberdeen’s Institute of Dentistry, where he is now Emeritus Professor of Oral Medicine.  He was a Chair of the General Dental Council’s Fitness to Practise Panel and, subsequently, Chairman of Dental Protection Ltd and a Board Member of the Medical Protection Society.  John lost his son, Cameron, to suicide in 2019 and this has been the most impacting event of his life, changing his world-view forever.  He is a member of the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group’s Lived Experience Panel and is the Chairman and a Trustee of The Canmore Trust, a charity involved in suicide prevention and postvention.  As well as his clinical background, John brings to the Board his skills in academic analysis, problem-solving, strategic planning and mentorship.   

Appointment

Professor Gibson’s appointment is for four years, from 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2026.

The appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

The appointment is part-time and attracts a daily remuneration of £171.74 for a time commitment of four days per month.

Other ministerial appointments

Professor Gibson 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.   

Professor Gibson 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.