Public appointment: Members appointed to Highland NHS Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray MSP today announced the appointment of Graham Illsley and Brian Steven as Members of the Highland NHS Board.

Members

Graham Illsley brings over 15 years of experience across healthcare and the Third Sector. He trained and worked as a doctor in NHS Tayside before becoming a Clinical Trials Physician. In the charity sector, he progressed into senior leadership, advising trustees on governance, strategy, and organisational performance, and strengthening accountability across organisations. He has authored strategic plans and impact reports, overseen safeguarding and data protection, and managed the distribution of community funding programmes. Graham contributes confidently to strategic development and organisational improvement, combining clinical rigour with Third Sector insight to support, challenge, and provide assurance. He is committed to helping NHS Highland deliver safe, effective, and sustainable care for its communities.

Brian Steven is an experienced chartered accountant who has worked in the profession industry and NHS. He has extensive experience in all aspects of NHS finance, having filled the position of director of finance and deputy CEO in some of the largest teaching health bodies in both Scotland and England. Brian also has extensive experience in leading major operational and strategic change programmes.

Appointment

The appointments will be for 4 years and will run from 01 October 2025 to 30 September 2029.

The appointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

The appointments are part-time and attracts a remuneration of £14,352 for a time commitment of 52 days per year.

Other ministerial appointments

Graham Illsley and Brian Steven do 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.   

Graham Illsley and Brian Steven have had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

NHS Highland’s catchment area comprises the largest and most sparsely populated part of the UK.  It is responsible for meeting the health needs of around 320,000 people living in the area, and provides a comprehensive range of primary, community-based and acute hospital services for the population