Faster reform of Scotland’s public sector is needed to protect services in the long term and improve people’s lives.

The Scottish Government is facing increased costs, including a higher public sector wage bill, while the cost-of-living crisis is driving greater demand for public services. Without careful management of public finances, there is a risk that the government could overspend in 2022/23, which could have implications for future budgets.

Ruth MacLeod is currently Head of Communications for the Church of Scotland. With more than 20 years’ experience working in strategic Public Relations, predominantly in the public sector, she has led on complex corporate communications issues. She has held roles within the police, the local authority sector, the Scottish Government and the fire and rescue service.

Jennifer Henderson has extensive public sector management and leadership experience and is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute. She is currently the Chief Executive and Keeper of the Registers of Scotland, delivering a substantial programme of digital transformation.

Nichola Brown brings extensive experience in partnership working across statutory, community and voluntary organisations, having worked in public health in Glasgow for over twenty years. With a strong commitment to social justice and reducing inequalities, Nichola has led and managed the implementation of a complex portfolio of work programmes to improve population health, translating national and city strategies into the local context. This is underpinned by her background in community development.

Malcolm Bell has extensive experience in the public and third sectors, with a passion for partnership working and organisational improvement. He served as Convener of Shetland Islands Council from 2012, until he stood down in 2022. During this time, he was a member of the COSLA Convention, serving as a director of the Improvement Service. He was President of the Scottish Provosts Association and served on various other boards including Shetland Citizens Advice. Malcolm was a Non-Executive Director and Vice-Chair of NHS Shetland between 2010 and 2022.

Four new members of the Accounts Commission have been confirmed by Ben Macpherson MSP, Minister for Social Security and Local Government. The new members are: Malcolm Bell, Nichola Brown, Jennifer Henderson and Ruth MacLeod. The appointments follow an extensive recruitment exercise.