The Scottish Government has announced that it has appointed three new Non-Executive Directors, to ensure that the highest standards of governance are met.
Following an open recruitment process, Helen Dean, Manish Joshi, and Rory Mair will come into the roles with a wide perspective, whilst promoting a collaborative and innovative approach to issues faced by the government. They will also support creative thinking and new ideas within the Scottish Government.
The main roles of the directors will be to give their advice and support in the following areas:
- Strategy and policy delivery
- Risk management
- Auditing
- Performance monitoring
Permanent Secretary JP Marks commented on the appointments, saying:
“I am delighted to confirm the appointment of these Non-Executive Directors. Helen, Manish, and Rory bring significant experience and diverse perspectives to our Non-Executive Director cohort.
“Good governance sits at the very heart of how we operate in delivering meaningful policies and vital public services. I look forward to working with our Non-Executive Directors as they provide strategic challenge, advice, and assurance as we work to progress Scottish Ministers’ priorities and improve the lives of the people of Scotland.”
Helen Dean began her career at the Department for Work and Pensions, before becoming CEO of Nest in 2015. She was awarded a CBE in the 2021 New Years Honours list, and is also Trustee and board members at the largest debt charity in the UK.
Currently Chief Executive of Strathclyde Students Union, Manish Joshi is a Professor of Practice for Social Innovation, whilst also leading the new social innovation cluster at Strathclyde, as well as within the Glasgow City Innovation District. Much of Manish’s career and expertise has been developed within the not for profit and voluntary sectors and has committed experience and knowledge in areas such as equality, diversity, and inclusion, alongside sustainability and community engagement.
Rory Mair has spent time within local government, holding roles such as Strategic Director for Social Strategy at Fife Council, and Chief Executive of Ross and Cromarty District Council. The latter of which made him the youngest ever Chief Executive in British local government at the time. Between 2022 and 2015 he was Chief Executive of COSLA, before becoming Chair of Citizens Advice Scotland in 2017. Rory was also awarded a CBE in 2012, for his services to local government.
Image credit: iStock
