Public appointment: Member reappointed to the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration Board

The Minister for Children, Young People and the Promise, Natalie Don-Innes MSP, today announced the reappointment of Kay Barton as a Member of the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration Board.

Member

Kay Barton worked in government and the Third Sector, promoting social justice and wellbeing, and addressing underlying causes of poverty and exclusion. She has also been for many years on the boards of charities, both local and national, and is currently a trustee of an independent adoption and foster care agency. Kay has built up her strategic, governance, and management skills in all these roles. She chaired a family support organisation through the difficult pandemic period. She has been a volunteer mentor with young people for nearly 10 years and continues to learn from listening to and supporting them.

Reappointment

This reappointment will be for 4 years and will run from 1 November 2025 until 31 October 2029.

This reappointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

This reappointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £197.99 for a time commitment of 1.5 days per month.

Other ministerial appointments

Kay Barton 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.   

Kay Barton has had no political activity within the last five years. 

Background

The Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA) is a national body focused on children and young people most at risk. SCRA was formed under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1994 and became fully operational on 1st April 1996. SCRA’s main responsibilities as set out in the Act are: 

• to facilitate the work of Children’s Reporters 
• to deploy and manage staff to carry out that work 
• to provide suitable accommodation for Children’s Hearings 

The children’s hearings system provides the operational setting in which SCRA and partner agencies work. The aim is to provide a safety net for vulnerable children and young people, and deliver tailored solutions which meet the needs of the individuals involved, while helping to build stronger families and safer communities.