This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Sustainable Development Commission
12/07/2006
A new Vice Chair (Scotland) has been appointed to the Sustainable Development Commission.
Jan Bebbington, Professor of Accounting and Sustainable Development at the University of St Andrews was appointed along with Peter Davies (Vice Chair, Wales) and three new commissioners: Tim Lang (Natural Resources, Agriculture and Rural); Tess Gill (Work and Skills); and Waheed Saleem (Youth).
First Minister jack McConnell said:
"I welcome the appointment of Professor Bebbington as Vice Chair (Scotland) of the Sustainable Development Commission. I know Jan well from her work with the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Sustainable Scotland and I know the drive, enthusiasm and expertise she will bring to the Commission.
"Her appointment is a key stage in strengthening the Commission's presence in Scotland and in helping to drive the sustainable development agenda forward.
"My colleagues and I look forward to continued close working with Professor Bebbington and her colleagues in the Commission as it develops its role in Scotland."
Background:
- Biographical Notes: Kathryn Jan BEBBINGTON, Professor of Accounting and Sustainable Development, University of St Andrews and an external advisory member of the Scottish Cabinet Sub-Committee on Sustainable Scotland. Professor Bebbington is a New Zealander with a background in applied research and teaching at undergraduate and post graduate level as well as with business audiences, she is also Associate Director of the Centre for Social and Environmental Accounting Research, University of St Andrews School of Management and a Research Associate of Landcare Research (New Zealand) Ltd.
- Political Activity: All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activities (if any) to be made public. All five appointees have declared no political activity and do not hold other ministerial appointments.
- Commissioners are appointed by the Prime Minister in agreement with First Ministers in Scotland and Wales. They are normally appointed for three year terms, and serve for a maximum of 10 years.
- Posts are advertised in the national press and candidates are short-listed according to the competencies of the post. When making the appointments, Government takes into account the need to draw expertise from across the UK; from business, local government and non-government sectors; and to reflect the diversity of the UK population.
- The Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) is an independent advisory body to government, with a remit to promote and monitor progress in sustainable development across the UK. It reports to the Prime Minister and the First Ministers in Scotland and Wales and is led by a board of 19 commissioners from a mix of academic, scientific, business and NGO backgrounds, chaired by Jonathon Porritt.
- Remuneration: Vice Chairs and Commissioners are paid £225 per day with a commitment ranging from four days a month for vice chairs to two days a month for members.
- The goal of sustainable development is to enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life without compromising the quality of life for future generations. Scotland's sustainable development strategy - Choosing our Future - was published in December 2005.