Public appointment: Members appointed to NHS Orkney Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Heath and Care Angela Constance MSP, today announced the appointment of Lynne Spence, Michael Morrison and Hayley Green as a Member of the NHS Orkney Board.

Member

Lynne Spence worked and lived in Orkney for over twenty‑five years with a deep understanding of island life, along with community strengths and the challenges. A Registered Dietitian by background, she worked across NHS services, public health, education and community development, including senior leadership roles within NHS Orkney and lecturing in Health & Care at UHI Orkney.

Furthermore, Lynne have been involved in Orkney’s third sector, serving as a founder trustee of Orkney Charitable Trust, volunteering with the Orkney Foodbank and is currently Chair of Kirkwall & St Ola Community Council and Chair of the Parent Council at Papdale Primary School. These roles all reflect her commitment to partnership working and community while supporting innovation and initiatives focused on reducing inequalities and strengthening wellbeing.

Lynne Spence is deeply rooted in island life, and will bring lived experience, strategic insight and a strong values‑base to this role on the Board, with a particular passion for dignity, fairness and collaborative approaches.

 

Michael Morisson brings extensive Board, Committee, and Local Government experience within Orkney, currently serving on both the Pier Arts Centre Board and The Orkney Fund (Pride in Place). Michael previously spent over ten years as a manager within Orkney Islands Council, gaining deep insight into public service delivery, organisational governance, and the unique dynamics of working within a small island community.

As an Orcadian, born and raised,  he fully understand and appreciate the distinct challenges and opportunities facing NHS Orkney. His commitment is rooted in a genuine desire to support and strengthen local healthcare provision. Mr Morrison will work diligently, pragmatically, and collaboratively with fellow Board members, the Executive Team, and all staff to ensure they deliver the highest possible standard Of care for the people of Orkney. His focus will always be on constructive governance, respectful challenge, and championing the needs of our community.

 

Hayley Green having made Orkney her home over the past 12 years, this appointment feels like an opportunity to give something back to a community that has given her so much. Following her recent retirement from Orkney Islands Council, Hayley was keen to continue contributing to the life of the islands and to support an organisation that touches the lives of everyone in Orkney community.

Hayley Green has always been passionate about the importance of strong and resilient communities, and believes that improving health and wellbeing is about far more than healthcare alone. Prevention, early intervention and effective partnership working are vital if we are to meet the challenges ahead and ensure that people across Orkney can live healthy, fulfilling lives.

Appointment

These appointments will be for 4 years and will run from 20 July to 19 July 2030.

These appointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

These appointments are part-time and attracts a remuneration of £16,224 for a time commitment of 52 days per year.

Other ministerial appointments

All three 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.   

Lynne Spence, Michael Morrison has had no political activity within the last five years.

Hayley Green was a member of the Labour Party until February 2025. She attended the Orkney MSP Count in May 2026 as a Counting Agent for the Labour Party at the invitation of the candidate but took no role in the process.

She is now a member of Your Party and attended the Scottish Conference in Dundee in February 2026 but do not hold any positions within Your Party and do not intend to hold any.

Background

NHS Orkney is the smallest territorial health Board in Scotland and is responsible for the health care of the population of Orkney, which is made up of approximately 21,500 people. They employ around 620 staff and provide a comprehensive range of primary, community-based and acute hospital services.