Public appointments: chair appointed to Public Health Scotland board

Chair appointed to Public Health Scotland board

The Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport, Maree Todd MSP and COSLA, Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Stuart Currie today announced the appointment of Angiolina Foster CBE as Chair of the Public Health Scotland Board.

Maree Todd, Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport said:

“As Chair of Public Health Scotland, Angiolina will bring considerable experience and insight that will be invaluable as the organisation continues to innovate, adapt and transform.

“She will play a significant role in ensuring Public Health Scotland strengthens and supports a whole system, partnership approach to understanding and tackling our public health challenges, making best use of our considerable public health assets to realise the vision of a Scotland where everybody thrives.

“I look forward to working with her as Public Health Scotland continues to protect and improve the health and wellbeing of the nation.”

Councillor Stuart Currie, COSLA’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson said:

“I am delighted with the appointment of Angiolina as Chair of Public Health Scotland. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from a number of high profile positions.

She has exactly the skill set required for this exciting role and will play a key role in bringing the organisation’s vision of a Scotland where everyone thrives.

From a personal point of view I look forward to working alongside her and the fantastic team we have in place at PHS.’

Chair

Angiolina Foster CBE is a respected public service leader whose work has spanned local government, national government and the third sector. She most recently held a Chief Executive position within Scotland’s NHS. In all her roles, she has aimed to put people at the heart of service design and delivery. This has afforded her rich learning in system leadership, strategy and service transformation, all of which she will bring to her role as Chair of Public Health Scotland. She was awarded a CBE in 2011 for her contribution to Scotland’s public services.

Appointment

This appointment will be for four years and will run from 1 September 2021 to 31 August 2025.

This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

This appointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £176.63 per day, for a time commitment of up to three days per week.

Other ministerial appointments

Ms Foster is a Member of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for which she receives remuneration of £297.95 per day, for a time commitment up to five 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.

Ms Foster has had no political activity over the last five years.

Background

Public Health Scotland is the lead national agency for improving and protecting the health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland. Its focus is on increasing healthy life expectancy and reducing premature mortality, with an emphasis on prevention and early intervention.

Public Health Scotland employs around 1100 staff and has received £48.6 million of baseline funding as part of the Scottish Government’s Budget for 2021-22.

Scottish Ministers and COSLA are joint partners in the strategic planning and performance review processes for Public Health Scotland. This joint sponsorship arrangement, which is unique for a Public Body in Scotland, reflects the crucial role that local government has in creating the conditions for wellbeing and health across Scotland.