Chairman Of NHS Highland Re-appointed

23rd February 2012

Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy, Nicola Sturgeon, today announced the appointment of the Chair to Highland NHS Board.

Garry Coutts has been appointed through fair and open competition for a further term as the Chair of Highland NHS Board, with his current term ending on March 31, 2012. Garry has served as an elected councillor on both Edinburgh and Highland Councils chairing a variety of committees including Housing and Social Work. He has been chair of NHS Highland, during which time he led the board in planning to integrate adult health and social care services in the Highland Council area. He is also a member of the Looked After Children's Strategic Implementation Group on which he champions strategic commissioning. Last year Garry was elected Rector of the University of the Highlands and Islands, an unpaid voluntary post. Garry brings to the board his vast experience as a chairman with extensive knowledge of health and social care.

This appointment will be for four years and will run from April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2016.

This post is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £29,640 for a time commitment of three days per week.

Garry Coutts - is also a Convener on the Scottish Social Services Council for which he receives a remuneration of £25,000 per annum. He is also an ex officio of the Care Inspectorate for which he receives no remuneration.

Highland NHS Board is responsible for the strategic planning of health services and the development of measures to improve the health of the communities served by NHS Highland.

This Ministerial public appointment was made in accordance with the code of practice published by the Public Appointments Commissioner for Scotland

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. Garry Coutts has had no political activity in the last five years.