sportscotland hits 50/50

sportscotland is the latest public body to achieve gender equality on its board following the appointment of five new members.

The appointments of Susan Sandilands, Hala Ousta and Katy U’Ren means the agency joins others like Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Canals and the Scottish Ambulance Service in meeting the Scottish Government’s Partnership for Change 50/50 by 2020 pledge.

Christopher Grant and Duncan Skinner have also been appointed to the board.

sportscotland is one of more than 190 organisations across Scotland’s public, private and third sectors who signed up to the pledge.

Sports Minister Aileen Campbell said:

“At a time when we are pushing for gender equality in sport, it’s encouraging to see our national sporting agency put that principle in place. Shattering the glass ceiling, be that in the boardroom or out on the field, is the aim and I am pleased that sportscotland is leading by example.”

Equalities Secretary Angela Constance said:

“Gender balance on boards is not only a matter of equality and fairness – the evidence also shows balanced boards perform better. I want true gender equality to be the norm in Scotland and we welcome sportscotland’s commitment and hope others follow suit.”

Mel Young, chair of sportscotland said:

“I’m delighted with the calibre of our five new members, who each bring their own strengths and expertise onto an experienced and hard-working board. It is a critical and exciting time for sport in this country, and at sportscotland we are continuing to build a world-class sporting system for all, in collaboration with our partners.

“Susan, Hala, Katy, Duncan, and Chris have a terrific opportunity to help shape Scottish sport and continue strengthening the connections between community, club, and performance sport.

“We were inundated with 134 applications, which demonstrates the interest there is in sport in Scotland, and it is a welcome development that our board now has an equal gender balance.”

Background

Link to public appointments release: http://www.appointed-for-scotland.org/news

The full sportscotland board:

Mel Young, David Cameron, Craig Mahoney, Coral Riddell, Leigh Robinson, George Walker

Frances Wood, Hala Ousta, Christopher Grant, Duncan Skinner, Katy U’ren, Susie Sandilands.