Public appointment: member appointment extended on the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

The Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care, Kevin Stewart MSP, today announced the extension to the appointment of Safaa Baxter as a member of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland.

Member

Safaa Baxter was born and educated in Alexandria, Egypt, where she obtained a BA degree in social work and community development in 1975. She worked as a volunteer in Clydebank and as a social worker with Strathclyde Regional Council. As a local authority employee for over 36 years, Safaa has worked at various level of seniority in social work across a number of local authorities and health settings including mental Health. Until her retirement in April 2014, she was East Renfrewshire Council’s chief social work officer, and head of the community health and care partnership children’s, criminal justice, and addictions services. Safaa currently is the independent chair of the child and adult protection committees in South Lanarkshire partnership. Safaa also works with a number of local authorities as a consultant on the provision of children’s services. 

Extension

This extension will be for one year and will run from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023.

This extension is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

This extension is part-time and attracts a daily fee of £225.23 for a time commitment of up to 15 days per year.

Other ministerial appointments

Safaa Baxter 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.  

Safaa Baxter has had no political activity within the last five years. 

Background

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (the Commission) protects and promotes the human rights of people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia and related conditions. The Commission has a key statutory role in safeguarding individual rights and monitoring how the principles of mental health and incapacity legislation are applied in practice. Through direct interventions in the care and treatment of individuals using mental health and learning disability services, providing guidance and conducting investigations, the Commission has a strong influence on the quality of care and treatment provided for the people of Scotland.