Public appointment: Members reappointed to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition, Màiri McAllan MSP, today announced the reappointment of Craig Hume, Julie Hutchison and Dr Harpreet Kohli as Members of the Board of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

Members

Craig Hume is Director of Utopia Computers and has expertise in agile working practices and innovative tech solutions. As a proactive advocate for employee welfare, he sits on the Living Wage Leadership Group and the Living Wage Commission. He contributes to SEPA by focusing on employing cutting-edge technologies and agile methodologies to bolster environmental conservation efforts.

Julie Hutchison has a background in law and a broad range of cross-sector and communications experience. She was formerly Chair of the Review of Governance of NHS Endowment Funds in Scotland and her public sector experience includes a past role with OSCR, the Scottish Charity Regulator, where she co-authored new regulatory guidance. She has over 20 years' experience in the financial services and legal sectors and blends that with a more recent academic appointment as a Visiting Professor in Governance and Innovation at Edinburgh Napier University. She holds a First-Class degree in Law from the University of Edinburgh and a PgC in Sustainable Leadership from the University of Cumbria.

Dr Harpreet Kohli trained in general practice before going into public health where he used the knowledge, skills and experience gained as a Consultant in public health medicine. His subsequent work as Medical Advisor at NHS Quality Improvement Scotland and as a Director of Public Health deepened his critical and economic appraisal skills and gave him experience as an executive board member. He is a co-opted Member of Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) and a Trustee of the UK-Med charity.

Reappointments

The reappointments will be for four years and run from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2027.

The reappointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration and time commitment

The reappointment attracts remuneration of £293.29 per day for a time commitment of up to a maximum of 30 days per year.

Other ministerial appointments

Craig Hume, Julie Hutchison and Dr Harpreet Kohli 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.

Craig Hume, Julie Hutchison and Dr Harpreet Kohli have had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is Scotland’s principal environmental regulator, protecting and improving Scotland’s environment. As a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government, their role is to make sure that the environment and human health are protected, to ensure that Scotland’s natural resources and services are used as sustainably as possible and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

With around 1300 people based across Scotland, from the Highlands and Islands to the Borders, they regulate and advise on a wide range of environmental activities.

SEPA will shortly be recruiting for new Board members please keep an eye on Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and www.gov.scot/collections/public-appointments/ for further information.