Public appointment: Members appointed to the board of Children’s Hearings Scotland

The Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise today announced the appointment of Ronnie Corse, Robert Dorrian and Claire Kettlewell, as members of the board of Children’s Hearings Scotland.

Members

Ronnie Corse is a recently retired technology leader, having worked for over 35 years in various sectors including Defence, Manufacturing, Financial Services and Media. Ronnie’s experience ranged from leading large software engineering teams in the delivery and support of technology solutions, as well as operating as an advisor up to executive level. Ronnie’s other previous appointments include being the Deputy Chair of the West Lothian Developing Young Workforce (DYW) from 2018 to 2025, a board trustee with the charity Children’s First from 2017 to 2022, as well serving on the Midlothian Children’s Panel from 2015 to 2022. Ronnie is also currently a Trustee with the Cousland Smiddy Trust, a charity that oversees the maintenance and operation of an early 18th century blacksmith’s workshop, Victorian cottage and organic allotments in the Midlothian village of Cousland.

Robert Dorrian is a qualified legal professional and brings expertise in legislation and decision-making to support board-level responsibilities. Alongside being an employment solicitor, Robert has contributed to national initiatives improving the outcomes for care-experienced children and young people. Being care-experienced himself, Robert felt compelled to contribute to the Independent Care Review, the Promise, emphasising the importance of dignity, fairness and opportunity. Robert previously served as a Children’s Panel member, and combines professional insight with personal commitment to reduce stigma and widen opportunity.

Claire Kettlewell is a solicitor with over 12 years' experience appearing in civil cases before Courts and tribunals, and has had the privilege of representing many families at Children’s Hearings and in related court proceedings. Between 2017 and 2023, Claire was a part-time lecturer on the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at RGU where she taught students about the Children's Hearing System. In 2023, Claire was appointed to Head of Service of the Civil Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) having previously managed the Aberdeen office for four years. As Head of CLAO, Claire is responsible for the operational management and delivery of the service: a network of three offices in Scotland which helps people with their civil legal problems. Claire therefore brings management and leadership skills to the board, in addition to her legal knowledge and experience.

Appointments

Ronnie Corse and Robert Dorrian’s appointments will be for 4 years and will run from 1 September 2025 until 31 August 2029. Claire Kettlewell’s appointment will be for 4 years and will run from 29 September 2025 until 28 September 2029.

These appointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

These appointments are part-time and attract a remuneration of £208.99 per day for a time commitment of 24 days per annum.

Other ministerial appointments

Ronnie Corse, Robert Dorrian and Claire Kettlwell 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.

Ronnie Corse, Robert Dorrian and Claire Kettlwell have had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) recruits, trains and supports around 2,000 volunteers across Scotland. The volunteer roles are Panel Members and Area Support Team (AST) members. Panel Members make legal decisions with, and for, children and young people in children’s hearings, and AST members provide support and guidance to those Panel Members.