Public appointment: Member appointment extended on the Children’s Hearings Scotland Board

The Minister for Children and Young People today announced the extension to the appointment of Beth-Anne McDowall as a Member of the Children’s Hearings Scotland Board.

Member

Beth-Anne McDowall has campaigned extensively to enhance the rights of children and young people. She is Scotland’s youngest non-executive director, having been appointed to the board of Children’s Hearings Scotland at 19. Beth-Anne has been instrumental in several policy and legislative changes for children and young people including developing the Secure care National Standards, Hearings for Children, and being a Co-Chair at the Independent Care Review – which subsequently published The Promise – which is Scotland’s commitment to care-experienced people. She has won two national awards for her work and is committed beyond measure to protecting, promoting and enhancing the rights of Scotland’s most marginalised citizens. She brings a unique perspective with a raw authenticity – all founded on integrity.

Extension

This extension will be for 3 months and will run from 1 July 2025 to 30 September 2025.

This extension is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

This extension is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £ £197.99 per day for a time commitment of 2 days per month.

Other ministerial appointments

Beth-Anne McDowall is a Member of the Mental Welfare Commission, for which she receives remuneration of £252.13 per day, for a time commitment of up to 15 days per year.

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. 

Beth-Anne McDowall has had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) recruits, trains and supports around 3,000 volunteers across Scotland. The volunteer roles are Panel Members and Area Support Team (AST) members. Panel Members make legal decisions with, and for, children and young people in children’s hearings, and AST members provide support and guidance to those Panel Members