This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Lothian NHS Board
11/10/2005
Health Minister Andy Kerr today announced the appointment of Mr Bill Bennett and Coucnillor Iain Whyte as new members to Lothian NHS Board.
Mr Bill Bennett is a social worker by profession and has worked during his career in central and local government and the voluntary sector. Over a nine year period he was Director of Social Work and subsequently Interim Chief Executive with Shetland Islands Council. He recently retired as Chief Executive with Health in Mind. Mr Bennett is currently Chair of Depression Alliance Scotland. He does not hold any other ministerial appointments.
Ccouncillor Iain Whyte has been a member of the City of Edinburgh Council since 1995 and represents Craigleith ward. He is a non-executive Director of EICC Ltd and Edinburgh Leisure Ltd and was formerly a member of the Advisory Council of the Scotland Against Drugs Campaign. His previous employment experience includes a number of posts in the NHS in Lothian including work on quality improvement and complaints. He does not hold any other ministerial appointments.
Both appointments will be for three years from November 1, 2005, to October 31, 2008.
It is expected that as a member they will contribute around eight hours per week for which the annual remuneration is £7,305.
Lothian NHS Board is responsible for the strategic planning of health services and the development of measures to improve the health of the community in the Lothian region. To meet those needs it has an annual budget of over £960 million.
These Ministerial appointments were made in accordance with Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland (OCPAS) Code of Practice.
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.
Within the last five years, Councillor Whyte has obtained office as a local councillor, stood as a candidate and canvassed on behalf of the Scottish Conservative Party. Mr Bennett has not been involved in any political activity.