This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scottish Homes Chair appointed
09/02/2004
The appointment of a new Chair of the Board of Scottish
Homes was announced today.
Charles Johnston, who is a retired senior banker, joined
the Board as a member in March 2003 and takes over the post
of Chair on 9 February 2004, following the resignation of
the previous Chair, Sir John Ward. Mr Johnston's
appointment is until March 2005.
On 1 November 2001, most of Scottish Homes' staff and
functions transferred to a new Executive Agency,
Communities Scotland. In line with conclusions of the
Executive's Public Bodies Review, Scottish Homes will be
abolished when its remaining tasks have been concluded.
The business remaining includes divesting itself of current
housing stock, dealing with the pensions of employees,
disposing of its existing loan book and preparing the final
accounts on wind up.
Communities Minister Margaret Curran said:
"I welcome the appointment of Charles Johnston as
Chair. This will ensure there is continuity and financial
expertise on Scottish Homes' Board at a time when it is
vital that we have the appropriate skills to manage the
tasks associated with the wind-up of the organisation."
Reflecting the diminished responsibilities of the board
following the creation of Communities Scotland, the Chair's
remuneration fell from 32,000 pounds in 2001 to the current
£7,862 (plus expenses) per annum.
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
(if any declared) to be made public. Charles Johnston has
not declared any political activity nor does he currently
hold any other ministerial appointments.
Scottish Homes is a Non-Departmental Public Body,
established by the Housing (Scotland) Act 1988.
The appointment has been made in accordance with the
Code of Practice issued by the Office of the Commissioner
for Public Appointments.
The various declared interests of the Scottish Homes
board can be viewed on the Scottish Homes web pages
contained in the website of Communities Scotland -
www.communitiesscotland.gov.uk.