Public appointment: Member appointed to the NHS National Services Scotland Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Humza Yousaf MSP today announced the appointment of Ms Beth Lawton as a Member of the NHS National Services Scotland Board.

Member

Beth Lawton is the University of Strathclyde’s first Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO), leading the information services and continuous improvement directorates and responsible for delivering a digital transformation strategy across the organisation.  Beth joined the University from Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, where she was also the CDIO, leading the Trust’s Participation in the Global Digital Exemplar Programme and delivering technology enhanced mental health services.

Beth has a particular interest in using technology to transform business services and the customer experience, with more than two decades of experience delivering technology-enabled change in public and third sector organisations, including the Big Lottery Fund, The Royal Household and the National Museums and Galleries of Wales.  She is a certified change management practitioner, and a mentor for minority women and women in technology.  In 2007, Ms Lawton was appointed member of the Royal Victorian Order in recognition of her transformative work at the Royal Household.  In 2021, she was named ‘Board Director of the Year’ at the Women in IT Awards.

Appointment

Ms Lawton’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 remuneration of £8,930 per annum for a time commitment of one day per week.

Other ministerial appointments

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

Background

NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) is a public sector organisation that has been providing services to NHS Scotland for over 40 years.   NSS work at the heart of the health and care service, supporting their customers to improve the health and wellbeing outcomes for the people of Scotland.  By offering high quality services on a national scale, they free up resources so that they can be re-invested into essential services, all of which is crucial to the delivery of effective health and care.