Public appointment: Interim Convener appointed to the Council of the Scottish Social Services Council

The Minister for Children, Young People & the Promise has accepted the resignation of Sandra Campbell in her role as Convener of the Scottish Social Services Council. Sandra will end her term on 30 September 2024 after five years in post. Today, Ms Don announced the appointment of Peter Murray as Interim Convener of the Scottish Social Services Council from 1 October 2024.

Interim Convener

Peter Murray has extensive governance experience having served as a board member of NHS Lothian for 8 years. Peter has considerable experience in leadership and management from his 30 years in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. He retired as an assistant Chief Fire Officer in 2016. Peter has a MA in Political Studies from Aberdeen University.

Appointment

This appointment will be for 9 months and will run from 1 October 2024 to 30 June 2025.

This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

This appointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £275.53 per day for a time commitment of two days per week.

Other ministerial appointments

Peter Murray is a Member of the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland for which he receives remuneration of £296 per day, for a time commitment of three days per month.

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.   

Peter Murray has had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

The Scottish Social Services Council is the regulator for the social work, social care and children and young people workforce in Scotland. Their work means the people of Scotland can count on social services being provided by a trusted, skilled and confident workforce.

SSSC protects the public by registering social services workers, setting standards for their practice, conduct, training and education and by supporting their professional development. Where people fall below the standards of practice and conduct they can investigate and take action.

Scottish Social Services Council:

• publish the national codes of practice for people working in social work, social care and early years services and their employers
• register people working in social work, social care and early years and make sure they adhere to our codes of practice
• promote and regulate their learning and development
• are the national lead for workforce development and planning for the social work, social care and early years workforce in Scotland.

The SSSC Register was set up under the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 to regulate social service workers and to promote their education and training.