Public appointment: Members appointed to the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board

The Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie MSP today announced the appointment of Judith O’Leary and Abdul Elghedafi as Members of the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board.

Members

Judith O’Leary was brought up on the family’s dairy farm in Ireland. She brings a passion for agriculture alongside an understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. With over 25 years as a senior PR advisor to clients including RHASS, the Royal Highland Show, TIAH, SAYFC and Scottish Agritourism, Judith has worked extensively in the food, farming and rural industries building strong relationships with key industry stakeholders. A strong advocate for fair remuneration, Judith proudly supports the Living Wage employer initiative and the development of modern apprenticeships. Following the successful sale of her agri communications agency, Represent, in 2025, Judith is eager to continue to contribute and looks forward to working with the Board to support their efforts in building a sustainable agri sector powered by talented professionals.

Abdul Elghedafi brings a wealth of expertise as an experienced Non-Executive Director, having served on several public boards including the NHS, the General Teaching Council for Scotland, and the British Transport Police Authority. Across these appointments, he has made significant contributions to strengthening governance, enhancing strategic oversight, and driving improvements in public services. A Solicitor by profession, Abdul specialises in contract law and public sector procurement. Alongside his legal career, he has also developed a substantial portfolio of quasi-judicial roles

Appointments

The appointments will be for 3 years and will run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029.

The appointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

The appointments are part-time and attract a remuneration of £180 a day for a time commitment of 16 days per year.

Other ministerial appointments

Judith O’Leary and Abdul Elghedafi 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.   

Judith O’Leary and Abdul Elghedafi have had no political activity within the last five years. 

Background

The Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB) is an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body set up under the Agricultural Wages (Scotland) Act 1949.  Its purpose is to make statutory Orders fixing minimum wage rates, holiday entitlement and other terms and conditions of service for workers employed in agriculture in Scotland.  The Board’s Orders are legally enforceable, and the Scottish Government Rural Directorate has a duty to investigate complaints about non-compliance.  The Rural Directorate also carries out random test inspections on agricultural holdings, in relation to the terms and conditions SAWB sets, to ensure compliance and pursues recovery of arrears which are then passed on to the workers.