Public appointment: members appointed to sportscotland

The Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport, Ms Todd, today announced the appointment of Andrew Bain, Hala Ousta, Tejesh Mistry, David McDonald, Steven Sweeney and Allan Watt as Members of sportscotland.

Members

Andrew Bain has 30 years management experience in physical activity, sport and wellbeing sectors covering private, public and charitable trust organisations. He has first-hand experience of the impact physical activity and sport can have on people’s wellbeing and how participation can improve lives, through the creation and management of innovative programmes and activities across a variety of communities. Through his extensive experience as a Chief Executive of a charity, he has developed his strategic leadership and analytical skills to help direct and guide organisations to achieve their goals and objectives.

Hala Ousta is an established campaigner for equality, diversity and inclusion within sports at several levels, as Diversity & Accessibility Manager for FIFA. With a Master’s in Public Policy and a post-graduate diploma in Equality & Discrimination, her education and experience covers a wide range of roles and responsibilities related to both equality and sport development in a local, national and international context. Prior to joining FIFA, Hala led the Scottish FA’s efforts to secure the Advanced Level Equality Standard for Sport, and the establishment of its Equality & Diversity Advisory Board. She is a former Board member of 'Women in Football', and has held advisory roles as part of the 'Scottish Committee of the British Council', the 'Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Advisory Board’, and is a ‘Sport Industry NextGen Leader’. She was also recently featured as one of ‘YWCA Scotland’s 30 under 30 in 2019’.

Tejesh Mistry is an experienced Senior Leader within the Third Sector who brings a wealth of knowledge from leading national physical activity and sport related behaviour change programmes to tackle inequality. As Director of External Affairs at Venture Trust, he has been able to harness his beliefs in the healing power of the outdoors and is inspired by the stories and journeys of transformation effected by many of the people he supports. Tejesh is a great advocate for volunteering and community participation developing his experience through international youth work before utilising his skills to support other organisations as a mentor for young people, Board Trustee, community helper and fundraiser. Tejesh is proud to be part of the inaugural Impetus Leadership Academy designed to support emerging ethnic minority leaders to help shape and lead within the youth sector.

David McDonald served as a Councillor in Glasgow for 15 years, holding a variety of senior posts, including as the Chairperson of Glasgow Life. During this time, David was involved in developing Glasgow’s Strategic Framework for sport and physical activity, focused on driving up levels of participation as well as the successful delivery of major sporting events, including the inaugural 2018 European Championships, the UEFA Euro 2020 Championships and other national and international sporting events. David also led Glasgow’s bid to be named the European Capital of Sport for 2023, championing the vision of the role that sport can play in improving physical and mental health while increasing our sense of connection and community. David brings 20 years’ experience as a politician, a charity trustee, a volunteer, a community educator and working in and with marginalised communities, to the Sports Scotland Board, assisting it to deliver its vision of an active Scotland where everyone benefits from sport. David now works for Europe’s largest democracy NGO, a not-for-profit organisation who promote deliberative and participative forms of democracy. As their Scotland Director, David’s role focuses on strategy, development and providing leadership to strengthen involvement, governance and transparency in decision making.

Steven Sweeney is the Chief Executive of VASLan, the Third Sector Interface for South Lanarkshire. He previously led Aberdeen FC & their Partner Charity to being named by UEFA as the Best Professional Club in the Community in Europe. Leading with a strong emphasis on participation in physical activity and sport, education, promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and contributing to the wider community. Steven’s background is in Teaching and Coaching, he has a BSc in Sports Studies and a Postgraduate PGDE in Education. Steven is also a Director at Children in Scotland, supporting all the children of Scotland to have an equal chance to flourish.

Allan Watt has worked in leadership roles in public, private and third sectors based in Scotland, London and Asia Pacific. He is currently Senior Advisor to the Global Ethical Finance Initiative. When leading a global brand and communications team he was responsible for a number of major global sports sponsorships, whilst ensuring that they delivered community participation and grass roots activity. From his time as CEO of a leading youth charity, Allan has first-hand experience of the power of sport to empower young people and change their lives through participation and teamwork. Allan is still an active rower, with experience of competing at national and international events and has been a club committee member overseeing major fundraising and building projects. His four boys all play different sports from weightlifting and judo to parkour; Allan has volunteered as a mini rugby coach, but he now spends most weeknights and weekends standing on the touchline watching youth football and admiring the commitment of the volunteer coaches and parents who make it all possible.

Appointment

The appointments will be for four years. Hala Ousta, Tejesh Mistry, David McDonald and Allan Watt will commence their appointment on 16 April 2022 until 15 April 2026. Andrew Bain and Steven Sweeney will commence their appointment on 1 January 2023 until 31 December 2026.

The appointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

The appointments are part-time and attract a remuneration of £178.59 per day for a time commitment of up to 16 days per year.

Other ministerial appointments

Andrew Bain, Hala Ousta, Tejesh Mistry, David McDonald, Steven Sweeney and Allan Watt 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. 

David Mcdonald was an Elected Member of Glasgow City Council (2007 to 2022). Depute Council Leader & City Convener for Culture, Sport, Vibrancy and International Co-Operation (2017 to 2022). SNP Councillor (2007 to 2022) and Depute Group Leader (2014 to 2022). He was also Chairperson of Glasgow Life (2017 to 2022), Board Member (2013 to 2022).

Andrew Bain, Hala Ousta, Tejesh Mistry, Steven Sweeney and Allan Watt have had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

sportscotland is the national agency for sport in Scotland. Our vision is an active Scotland where everyone benefits from sport. In an active Scotland we will all find ways to be physically active every day. Keeping moving at home and at work. Taking an active approach to getting around. Choosing to be active in our leisure time.