Scotland's social care watchdog, the Care Inspectorate, has today welcomed the appointment of three new members to its board.
Scottish Ministers have appointed Dr Linda Pollock, Anne Houston and Christine Dunlop to serve on the board for four years.
The new members will attend their first board meeting this Friday, where the Care Inspectorate's new corporate plan is to be discussed.
Paul Edie, chair of the Care Inspectorate, said:
"I am delighted to welcome Linda, Anne and Christine to the board
"They bring a wealth of experience in care and will play a major role in setting the strategic direction of the Care Inspectorate. It is really important for us to have people with direct experience of providing care services on our board.
"Almost everyone uses a care service at some point in their life, and we have a vital task in protecting people who do use them.
"Everyone is entitled to safe, high-quality and compassionate care, and at the Care Inspectorate we have a central role in making that happen."
Notes to Editors
Christine Dunlop – is a Registered Mental Nurse and has worked in various hospital based mental health and learning disability services. After leaving the NHS, Christine gained experience both in nursing homes and supported living services and is currently employed in a senior management role with a private health and social care provider organisation. She has 17 years of experience of devising, implementing and delivering innovative solutions to meet the identified needs of individuals with complex needs in community based settings. Christine brings to the board a proven record and a positive reputation in the management of care services and workforce ensuing positive outcomes for individuals with complex and multiple support needs. Christine has completed advanced studies in medical law and ethics and has an active interest in ensuring the rights of vulnerable adults are promoted and respected. Christine also brings to the board a wealth of experience in engaging with health and social care professionals and multi-disciplinary primary care teams.
Anne Houston – brings to the board over 24 years of experience in social care organisations. Anne is currently Chief Executive of CHILDREN 1ST, a leading Scottish child welfare charity although retiring from this post at the end of June. Her particular area of expertise is in work with children and young people including child protection and early years/early intervention and she has been a member of the Scottish Government Early Years Task Force since its inception. A qualified social worker Anne has worked in the voluntary and statutory sectors in Scotland and England, managing young offenders, children and families and mental health teams. She brings extensive experience of boards – from 'both sides' – as a chief executive and also as a board member having served on a variety of boards and trusts. Anne also brings a passion for ensuring that feedback from those who rely on social care services is listened to and acted upon.
Linda Pollock – brings to the board experience in the public sector in clinical, research, teaching and management roles, and from high profile leadership roles as an NHS Executive Nurse Director and a Mental Welfare Commissioner, and influenced national policy direction. Since retiring, Linda has continued with governance and scrutiny work, (with regulator, the Nursing and Midwifery Committee and Scottish Legal Complaints Commission). Linda is passionate about improving the delivery and provision of high quality and joined-up services in the community and primary care to vulnerable people. This underlies work that she currently does with Pain Concern (setting up two weekly radio programmes), NHS Education, and as an Associate with the Dementia Services Development Centre. Linda has also been an informal carer for a mother with dementia, and worked with the local advocacy services, and the Office of the Public Guardian to enhance her care.