Public appointment: Members appointed to Risk Management Authority

The Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs today announced the appointment of Alain Zysset and Kieran McCartan as Members of the board of Risk Management Authority.

Members

Alain Zysset is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Law, University of Glasgow. As a member of the RMA Board, Alain will bring his knowledge in the foundations and implementation of human rights law across the domestic, European and international realms. Trained as a lawyer, philosopher and historian in Switzerland, the UK and Canada, Alain will bring his experience of working collaboratively across disciplines and strengthen the RMA's expertise in delivering on its core mandates.

Professor Kieran McCartan is a Professor of Criminology at the University of the West of England. He researches a range of areas including the prevention of a response to sexual abuse, as well as trauma-informed practice. He has completed funded research for UK and International funders including, ESRC, Leverhulme Trust, the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice, EU Horizon 2020 and Australia’s National Organisation for Women’s Safety. Kieran has advised (including the Council of Europe and the Australian National Office and continues to advise (including the European Union, ECPAT International, and NSPCC) many national and international governments and organisations, as well as sitting on several boards (including the Confederation of European Probation Circles Southwest). He is currently the Vice-Chair of the National Organisation for the Treatment of Abuse (NOTA).

Appointment

These appointments will be for 4 years and will run from 22 April 2024 to 21 April 2028.

These appointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

These appointments are part-time and attracts a remuneration of £228.88 per day for a time commitment of 15 days per year.

Other ministerial appointments

Alain Zysset and Kieran McCartan 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.   

Alain Zysset and Kieran McCartan have had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

The Risk Management Authority’s main aim is to reduce the risk of serious harm posed by violent and sexual offending. To protect the public, they make sure that effective risk assessment and risk management practices are in place.

The Risk Management Authority advocate for a shared approach to risk that is evidence-based, defensible and proportionate. Effective risk assessment and management can reduce the risk of serious harm to the public, and give individuals the best chance of returning to the community and leading crimefree lives.

Their work includes:

• Providing advice and recommendations to Scottish Ministers;
• The development of research to promote effective practice;
• Setting standards and publishing guidelines for risk assessment and management;
• Statutory responsibilities in relation to the Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR) sentence; and
• Responding to needs to provide advice and training to the justice sector.