Public appointment: Members reappointed to NHS Forth Valley Board

The Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care today announced the reappointment of Martin Fairbairn and John Stuart as Members of the NHS Forth Valley Board.

Members

Martin Fairbairn is a chartered accountant who has spent most of his career working in further and higher education. After five years as an audit manager with Deloitte, he moved into further education as Director of Finance at Stevenson College Edinburgh, where he successfully established the college’s finance systems and oversaw significant estates and outreach developments. From 2000 until 2021, he held several senior roles at Scotland’s national further and higher education funding body, the Scottish Funding Council, latterly as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive. Over his career he has developed particular expertise in strategic development, public sector governance, complex financial management and addressing risk.

John Stuart retired from his post as Chief Nurse within the North Sector of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in February 2021, after 39 years of service. Having trained and qualified as a nurse in Glasgow Royal Infirmary in 1985 he worked as a Senior Charge within the Medical Receiving Unit before taking up a range of other senior posts across hospitals in NHS Greater Glasgow. Further studies included obtaining a Masters in Nursing and a Post Graduate Diploma in Frontline Leadership and Management and he has a particular interest in all aspects of corporate governance. In 2021, John’s contribution to service was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list when he was awarded an MBE. 

Reappointment

John Stuart’s reappointment will be for 4 years and will run from 18 October 2025 to 17 October 2029.

Martin Fairbairn’s reappointment will be for 4 years and will run from 7 December 2025 to 6 December 2029.

These reappointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

These reappointments are part-time and attract a remuneration of £14,352 for a time commitment of 52 days per year.

Other ministerial appointments

Martin Fairbairn and John Stuart 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.   

Martin Fairbairn and John Stuart have had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

NHS Forth Valley is responsible for meeting the health needs of over 306,000 people living in Forth Valley, and provides a comprehensive range of primary, community-based and acute hospital services tailored for the whole population.