Public appointment: Commissioner appointed to the Scottish Law Commission

The Minister for Minister for Victims and Community Safety today announced the appointment of Ann Stewart as a Commissioner of the Scottish Law Commission.

Commissioner

Ann Stewart has been a professional support lawyer for the last 22 years and developed a deep and detailed understanding of legislation and its practical application to transactional circumstances, and in finding solutions to complex issues. Ann Stewart is a founder member of the Property Standardisation Group which has produced standardised commercial property documents for almost 23 years, working cooperatively as a team, and producing high quality materials on which many members of the legal profession rely. As the lead author of a legal textbook, Conveyancing Practice in Scotland, Ann Stewart seeks to provide clear, practical guidance and support to property lawyers in Scotland. As a member of the Law Society of Scotland’s Property Law Committee, Ann Stewart aims to give back to the legal profession including contributing to guidance on electronic signatures. All of this contributes to Ann Stewart’s keen desire to see the law of Scotland working as best it can to support individuals and businesses in its practical application.

Appointment

This appointment will be for five years and will run from 30 April 2024 to 29 April 2029.

This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

This appointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £52,834 per annum for a time commitment of 18.5 hours per week.

Other ministerial appointments

Ann Stewart does not hold any other public appointments.

Political activity

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 within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.   

Ann Stewart has had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

The Scottish Law Commission’s task is to recommend reforms to improve, simplify and update the law of Scotland. Society is constantly developing and it is important that the law keeps pace with changes in the way we live and work. Outdated or unnecessarily complex law makes for injustice and inefficiency and leads to the law being out of step with the needs of ordinary people.

The Scottish Law Commission offers the Government independent advice on law reform. This often involves examining whole areas of law and making recommendations to improve them. Public consultation is an essential step in the process to ensure that these recommendations are both workable and acceptable.