Public appointment: Member reappointed to NHS Shetland Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care, Angela Constance, today announced the reappointment of Joseph Higgins as the non-executive Whistleblowing Champion Member of the NHS Shetland Board. 

 

Member 

Joseph Higgins graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1985 and spent 35 years in the financial services sector, holding a variety of senior operational, technical and research roles. This included extensive experience within outsourced environments, providing him with a strong understanding of contractual and commercial matters. 

Mr Higgins has served on the NHS Shetland Board for the past four years, acting as the Board’s Whistleblowing Champion and Chair of the Clinical Governance Committee. Through these roles, he has developed a detailed understanding of healthcare governance, quality assurance and patient safety. In his role as a carer for his daughter, he also brings valuable first-hand experience of health and care services, with interests in CAMHS and services that support people with learning disabilities. 

Outside of his professional and public service commitments, Mr Higgins enjoys keeping fit and is a passionate gardener. 

 

Reappointment 

This reappointment will be for 4 years and will run from 8 December 2026 to 7 December 2030. 

This reappointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner. 

 

Remuneration 

This reappointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £312 per day for a time commitment of 52 days per year. 

 

Other ministerial appointments 

Joseph 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.    

Joseph has had no political activity within the last five years.  

 

Background 

NHS Shetland is responsible for the delivery of high quality person centred care and improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Shetland. In doing so, NHS Shetland requires to understand the health needs of the 22,500 people living in Shetland, and provide a comprehensive range of primary, community-based and acute hospital services tailored for the whole population.