New Non-Executive Board Members appointed to two departments

Three new appointments have been made to the joint management board of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland (OSSS) and the Office of the Advocate General for Scotland (OAG).

Ross Finnie, Martin Dorchester and Stuart Patrick will take up the posts with immediate effect, replacing existing vacancies on the board and concluding an open, fair and transparent recruitment process. The appointments will support the Offices’ work ensuring Scottish interests are fully represented at the heart of the UK Government.

The three new appointments to the OSSS and OAG joint board bring to the departments a breadth of experience from agriculture, food and drink, trade and charity sectors across Scotland:

Commenting on the appointments, Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack said:

I am very pleased that Ross Finnie, Martin Dorchester and Stuart Patrick are to join the joint management board of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Office of the Advocate General for Scotland.

Ross Finnie is an expert on agriculture, food and drink and fishing policy. Mr Dorchester brings valuable experience from one of Scotland’s most famous businesses. Mr Patrick is a champion for Scottish trade, not only here in Scotland but across the UK and internationally.

All three appointees will help strengthen the UK Government’s capability at this crucial time – as we ensure our economy can bounce back after the coronavirus pandemic, and we make the most of new global opportunities outside of the EU. We will continue to ensure a prosperous Scotland within a strong United Kingdom.

I am very glad to have them on board.

Non-executive board members are senior figures from outside government, appointed to provide expert external challenge and advice to UK Government departments.

UK Government non-executive board members are appointed by the Secretary of State and their role is to:

• Give advice to ministers and officials on the operational and delivery implications of policy proposals.

• Provide independent support, guidance and challenge on the progress and implementation of the department’s strategic direction.

• Advise on performance and monitor implementation of the department’s business plans.

Biographies

Ross Finnie

Mr Finnie is the current Chair of Food Standards Scotland. He served as Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and Environment from 1999 to 2007, and has served as a Board Member for the Water Industry Commission of Scotland and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Boards.

Martin Dorchester

Mr Dorchester has extensive experience on boards in the public, private and charity sectors in Scotland. He is the currently Chief Executive Officer for Includem, a specialist Scottish charity supporting young people and their families. Prior to this he was Group Chief Executive Officer for David MacBrayne as well as Managing Director of Calmac Ferries.

Stuart Patrick CBE

An expert on economic development, Mr Patrick is chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce supporting trade and a serving board member for the British Chamber of Commerce. A qualified accountant, he built a SME in the hospitality sector and in 2019 was awarded an CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to business and the economy in Glasgow.