Public appointment: Members reappointed to Scottish Legal Aid Board

The Minister for Victims and Community Safety today announced the reappointments of Gerry Bann and Brigid Whoriskey as Members of the Scottish Legal Aid Board.

Member

Gerry Bann is a solicitor and partner in leading Scottish law firm, Adams Whyte. Since 1992, Gerry has specialised in the field of Criminal Law and has extensive experience in the operation of the criminal courts and the wider criminal justice system. A former Dean of the Faculty of West Lothian Solicitors, Gerry has previously served as a Board Member of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission and as a Board Member of Community Justice Scotland.

Brigid Whoriskey is a non-Executive director, business advisor, and executive coach with considerable experience working across public, private and third sector. She is an experienced NED and currently is Co- Chair of causeway Business exchange (A Membership organisation that facilitates business connections between Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland). She is also a Trustee of International Humanitarian charity Tong – Len UK. Her corporate career included over 20 years in leadership roles in financial services including at royal bank of Scotland and Lloyds UDT. Bridgid brings particular expertise in strategy, transformation, communication and leadership development. She is known as a natural collaborator and communicator and is passionate about making a difference to individuals, organisations and society.

Reappointment

These reappointments will be for 2 years and will run from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2026. These reappointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

Both reappointments attract a remuneration of £242 per day for a time commitment of up to 3.5 days per month.

Other ministerial appointments

Brigid Whoriskey and Gerry Bann do 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.   

Brigid Whoriskey and Gerry Bann have had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

The Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) was set up in 1987 to manage legal aid in Scotland and is a non-departmental public body responsible to the Scottish Government. Legal aid allows people who would otherwise not be able to afford it, to get help for their legal problems.