04 April 2017
Members Appointed to the Board of Community Justice Scotland
The Cabinet Secretary for Justice today announced the appointment of Gerry Bann, Linda Bendle, Gerard McLay and Glenys Watt as Members to the Board of Community Justice Scotland.
MEMBERS
Gerry Bann is a solicitor and senior partner in leading Scottish law firm, Adams Whyte. Since 1992, Gerry has specialised in the field of criminal law and has extensive experience in the operation of the criminal courts and the wider criminal justice system. Between 1996 and 2002, Mr Bann served as Vice-Dean and then Dean of the Faculty of West Lothian Solicitors. From 2009 until 2016, was a Board Member of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission; he also served as a Member and then Chair of the Audit Committee.
Linda Bendle joins Community Justice Scotland as the family member of someone within the Community Justice system. Through direct experience Linda has an informed understanding of how custodial sentences work and do not work, and how release and reintegration into the Community can be improved with the ultimate aim of preventing and reducing offending. Linda is the Managing Director of a lettings business and has over 20 years’ experience in housing and property related matters.
Gerry McCLay will bring a wealth of experience in the Criminal Justice Sector to the Board. Gerard has been a criminal defence solicitor for over 30 years and has dealt with all aspects of prosecution and sentencing in court. Gerard was a member of the Management Team responsible for establishing the Glasgow Drug Court which has now been treating offenders with drug problems for over 10 years. Gerard represented the first accused person to be treated in the Drug Court and still represents clients in that court. Gerard is a past President of the Glasgow Bar Association and was a Board Member of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission between 2007 and 2015.
Glenys Watt co-founded the Social Research Consultancy, Blake Stevenson LTD, in 1992 and was a Director there until her recent retirement. Glenys brings thirty years of experience in research, consultancy and evaluation within the Public and Third sectors. Glenys has particular interest and knowledge in early intervention and prevention. Glenys has worked on a range of community justice issues directly through her research and also in a governance role as a Trustee of Third sector charities.
APPOINTMENT
These appointments will be for three years and will run from 1 March 2017 to 29 February 2020.
The appointments are regulated by the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland.
REMUNERATION
The appointments are part time and attract a remuneration of £215 per day for a time commitment of up to twenty days per year.
OTHER MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS
New Members appointed to Community Justice Scotland currently hold no 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 five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.
As stated none of the new appointees have held any political activity within the last five years.
BACKGROUND
Community Justice Scotland (a Non Departmental Public Body directed by its Board, which will take full effect from 1 April 2017) will be at the forefront of a setting a new strategic direction for community justice in Scotland. It will provide leadership for the community justice sector; offer opportunities for innovation, learning & development; provide independent assurance on the delivery of improved outcomes; and provide improvement support where required.