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Scottish Environmental Protection Agency
20/09/2007
Minister for Environment Michael Russell today announced the appointment of a new Chairman for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
He said:
"I am delighted to announce the appointment of David Sigsworth as the new Chairman of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
"His experience in regulated industry will be particularly useful as SEPA prepares for the future."
David Sigsworth is a Chartered Electrical Engineer, a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, and an Honorary Professor at the University of Dundee. After spending over ten years as a main board director of FTSE 100 utility companies he retired in March 2005 following a career spanning 43 years in the energy sector. He held several appointments in Yorkshire Electricity Board before joining the North of Scotland Hydro-electric Board in 1987. He was appointed as Commercial Director of Scottish Hydro Electric plc in January 1995 and subsequently held several positions on the board of Scottish and Southern Energy plc (SSE).
He is now active in promoting high technology start-up companies, involved in the renewable and sustainable energy markets, and holds several associated Non-Executive Directorships.
He brings to the position of Chair the ability to operate at a strategic level and effective leadership skills. He will also bring the skills required to be an effective communicator and public representative of the Board, accountable for its actions to Scottish Ministers, customers and other stakeholders.
He brings an understanding of the national and international context in which environment policy is made and how this relates to the work of SEPA. He also brings knowledge and experience of change management at a senior level.
He has declared no political activity and holds no other Ministerial appointments.
This appointment will be for four years and will run from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2011.
This post is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £312.50 per day for a time commitment of up to 12 days per month.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) with a Board appointed by, and accountable to, Scottish Ministers. SEPA was established by the Environment Act 1995 and it became operational on April 1, 1996. The Environment Act 1995 also sets out SEPA's powers and responsibilities. SEPA employs around 1200 staff in a wide range of occupations and specialisms across Scotland. These include chemistry, ecology, environmental regulation, hydrology, communications, quality control, engineering, planning, business support and management functions.
This Ministerial public appointment was 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.