Public appointment: Non-executive Whistleblowing Champion Member appointed to The State Hospitals Board for Scotland

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Humza Yousaf MSP today announced the appointment of Miss Shalinay Raghavan as Non-executive Whistleblowing Champion Member of The State Hospitals Board for Scotland.

Member

Shalinay has a keen interest in mental health, staff well-being and good organisational governance. She is currently Head of Employment Law at the Scottish Government and has significant experience in dealing with compliance, complaint handling and whistleblowing matters. She has held a number of senior corporate, legal and policy roles and was responsible for leading the Independent Review into concerns raised at the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. Shalinay also had an advisory role in respect of the application of the National (Whistleblowing) Standards and establishing the Independent Whistleblowing Officer. She is looking forward to working constructively with her fellow board members as well as having the opportunity to provide independent scrutiny and challenge to bring about positive change.

Appointment

The appointment of Miss Raghavan is for four years, from 16 January 2023 to 15 January 2027.

This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

The appointment is part-time and attract a remuneration of £9,030 per annum for a time commitment of one day per week

Other ministerial appointments

Miss Raghavan does 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.   

Miss Raghavan has had no political activity within the last five years. 

Background

The State Hospitals is one of four high secure hospitals in the UK. Located in South Lanarkshire in central Scotland, it is a national service for Scotland and Northern Ireland and one part of the pathway of care that should be available for those with secure care needs. The principal aim is to rehabilitate patients, ensuring safe transfer to appropriate lower levels of security.