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This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Scottish Natural Heritage

15/04/2005

Deputy Environment and Rural Development Minister Lewis Macdonald today announced the appointment of two new members to the Main Board of Scottish Natural Heritage.

They are:

  • Michelle Francis - full-time mother and part-time freelance environmental consultant specialising in environmental strategy and management, particularly in the transport sector. She was previously employed as Head of Environment for Network Rail, covering the whole of the UK having also held the post of Environment Manager for their Scottish Region. She is a member of the MS Society Science and Development Board. She does not hold any other Ministerial Public Appointments.
  • Phil Thomas - freelance multi-disciplinary consultant on subjects such as sustainable development and aquaculture. He is a former Principal of the Scottish Agricultural College and is currently Chairman of Central Scotland Forest Trust (CSFT) and a member of the Scottish Food Advisory Committee. He does not hold any other Ministerial Public Appointments.

The appointments will be for three years and will run from April 1, 2005, until March 31, 2008.

These posts are part-time and attract a remuneration of £7,805 for a time commitment of 2.5 days per month. Board Members who chair other SNH boards and committees are remunerated at a pro-rata rate for their additional time commitment.

The general aims and purposes of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) are to secure the conservation and enhancement of and to foster understanding and facilitate the enjoyment of the natural heritage of Scotland. SNH must have regard to the desirability of securing that anything done, whether by SNH or any other person, in relation to the natural heritage of Scotland is undertaken in a manner which is sustainable. The functions, powers and duties of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) are prescribed in sections 2-7 of the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991.

The Ministerial public appointments were made in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland.

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 there is any to be declared) to be made public. In this appointment round, neither of the appointees declared any political activity.

Page updated: Friday, April 15, 2005