This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Risk Management Authority appointments
10/10/2006
The Minister for Justice today announced the appointment of two new members to the Risk Management Authority (RMA).
The new members are:
Peter Johnston - Mr Johnston has retired back to Scotland after many years as a lawyer in the public and private sectors here and as chief executive at national and international level for professional accountancy bodies. In these capacities he has extensive experience in risk assessment and management, analysing complex issues, and use of judgement in casework and in all levels of negotiations. Mr Johnston does not hold any other ministerial appointments.
Peter Withers - Mr Withers has recently retired from the Scottish Prison Service (SPS). Mr Withers joined SPS in 1972 after a short career in the RAF. In his many operational and senior management roles within SPS he has had to understand and use risk assessment and management processes, essential requirements for the RMA role, in his daily work. Mr Withers is also a Non-Executive Director of Tayside Health Board and receives £7,500pa for this work.
These appointments will be for four years and will run from October 1, 2006 to September 30, 2010.
The posts are part-time and attract a remuneration of £5,484 per annum for a time commitment of two to three days per month.
The RMA, which was established by the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003, is an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body with a defined remit and set of roles relating to the risk assessment and management of serious violent and sexual offenders whose liberty presents a risk to the public. It is intended that the RMA will become the recognised expert authority on risk assessment and risk management.
These Ministerial public appointments were made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland's 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 there is any to be declared) to be made public. Within the last five years, none of the above appointees have been involved in any political activity.