6 October 2017
ChairAppointed to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board
The Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs, Annabelle Ewing MSP announced today the appointment of Dr Kirsty Darwent as Chair of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board.
CHAIR
Dr Kirsty Darwent has been instrumental in the very genesis of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), helping to steer the organisation through a successful transformation period. Joining the Board at its inception in 2012 as a Member, and appointed as Deputy Chair in 2015,Kirsty has played a vital role in developing the strategic direction of the Service and has led on establishing effective and transparent governance arrangements. Kirsty has also been a driving force behind the vision for a transformed Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Throughout a career spanning over 25 years, Kirsty has been committed to improving outcomes in public services, holding a series of senior leadership roles in the public and not-for-profit sectors including the NHS, South Ayrshire Council, the UK’s largest health regulator andnumerous charities. As Chair of the Board, Kirsty will oversee robust scrutiny, governance and performance management, lead the transformational development of SFRS, and ensure effective partnership working and stakeholder engagement.
APPOINTMENT
This appointment will be for four years and will run from 11 December 2017 to 10 December 2021.
This appointment is regulated by the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland.
REMUNERATION
This appointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £430 per day for a time commitment of 10 days per month.
OTHER MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS
Dr Darwent is currently a Member of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board until she takes up her position of Chair, as a Member, she receives remuneration of £280 per day, for a time commitment of 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.
Dr Darwent is currently a Member of the Labour Party.
BACKGROUND
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was established by the Police and Fire Reform Act (Scotland) 2012 (the Act) and came into being on 1stApril 2013. The main purpose of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is to work in partnership with communities, the public and private sectors and other agencies on fire safety, prevention, protection and emergency response to improve the safety and wellbeing of people throughout Scotland.