14November2016
Appointment of the Convener of the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland
The Minister for Transport and the Islands, HumzaYousafMSP today announced the appointment of LindaBamford as the new Convener of the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland(MACS). The Minister said
“I’m delighted to announce the appointment of LindaBamford as convener of the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland. The Committee has an important role in advising Ministers about transport accessibility for disabled people and I am confident that Lindahas the experience, skills and commitment to build on the Committee’s good work.”
The current Convener of MACS, AnneMacLeanOBE said
“I welcome LindaBamford’s appointment as my successor. As part of the panel that interviewed her, I know she has extensive skills and experience. I know she will promote MACS as I and the Committee have done over the last eightyears.”
LindaBamford has had a career spanning over 30years with NHS Scotland, initially as a psychiatric and general nurse before moving into paramedicine with the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS). After 13years as a frontline paramedic in Glasgow, MissBamford moved into management with SAS holding various senior posts for over 15years before retiring due to a spinal cord injury. She was the recipient of twoQueens’s medals, “Long service and good conduct” to the NHS and “Dedication to the NHS”. MissBamford is currently the Interim Chair of Spinal Injuries Scotland, a panel practice advisor with the Children’s Hearing Scotland and is a qualified counsellor. She has experience and qualifications in Operational Management and Service Delivery, Corporate Governance, Strategy Development, Risk Management, Change Management, Team Building and Leadership and Organisational planning utilising project methodologies (PRINCE2).
Appointment
The Convener appointment will be for fouryears from 1January2017 to 31December2020. The Convener receives a fee of £151.50per day for a time commitment of a minimum of twodays per month.
The appointments are regulated by the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland.
Ministerial Appointments
MissBamford does not hold any other Ministerial 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 fiveyears (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.
MissBamford has not undertaken any political activity in the last fiveyears.
The Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland
The Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland(MACS) was set up under the Transport (Scotland) Act2001 to advise Scottish Ministers on disability issues in relation to transport. MACS provides independent advice. While supported by Transport Scotland, MACS offers its views independently of government and we expect there will be times when that advice challenges government to do more or to do things differently. Equally, MACS is expected to reflect the views of disabled people and organisations representing disabled people, but it works independently of those individuals and organisations.
MACS aims and objectives
The vision of MACS is for a Scotland where anyone with a mobility problem due to some physical, mental or sensory impairment can go when and where everyone else can and have the information and opportunities to do so. MACS has a number of key strategic aims which it will pursue:
· give Scottish Ministers advice on aspects of policy affecting the travel needs of disabled people;
· take account of the broad views and experiences of disabled people when giving advice;
· encourage awareness amongst disabled people in Scotland of developments which affect their mobility, choices and opportunities;
· work closely with the Scottish Government and ensure our work programme complements the work being undertaken by the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, the Scottish office of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and other organisations, voluntary and statutory agencies;
· promote the travel needs of disabled people with transport planners and operators so that these are fully taken into account in the delivery of services; and
· monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our work against the above aims and objectives in improving travel opportunities for disabled people in Scotland.
The role of MACS
The convener and members have collective responsibility for the effective operation of MACS under the leadership of the convener. The convener must provide active and effective leadership, direction, support and guidance to ensure that MACS delivers its functions effectively and efficiently, consistent with Ministers’ priorities.