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Scottish Children's Reporter Administration
14/04/2008
Adam Ingram, Minister for Children and Early Years today announced the re-appointment of Margaret Wells as a member to the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration Board (SCRA).
Former Director of Partnership Development and Child Health Commissioner for NHS Lothian, Margaret Wells has extensive experience in the planning and management of large-scale organisational change. She held the post of Director of Housing and Social Work for Aberdeenshire Council between 1998 and 2002 and was President of the Association of Directors of Social Work in 2000-01. She currently works independently as a management and care consultant. She does not hold any other Ministerial public appointments.
This re-appointment, which is part-time, will run for a period of four years commencing on July 1, 2008 and ending on June 30, 2012. It presently attracts remuneration of £4,500 per annum for a time commitment of one and a half days per month.
SCRA is the executive non-departmental public body responsible for taking decisions on children and young people referred to the Reporter and for administering Children's Hearings. It was established on April 1, 1995 under section 128 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 and became operational on April 1, 1996. Based in Stirling, it manages over 500 staff located in 40 offices across Scotland.
SCRA operates within a framework agreed with Scottish Ministers to facilitate the work of Children's Reporters; to deploy and manage staff to carry out that work; and to provide suitable accommodation for Children's hearings. It plays a vital role in assisting Children's Reporters to contribute towards providing the best possible outcomes for children and young people who are referred on care and protection and/or offence grounds.
This Ministerial public re-appointment was made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland's Code of Practice.
All appointments and re-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 - if there is any to be declared - to be made public. Margaret Wells has declared no political activity within the last four years.