UK Government encourages Scots to apply for UK-wide public positions

Scots are being encouraged to apply for board positions on UK public bodies as part of a new initiative by the UK Government.

The initiative was launched in Edinburgh last week to encourage greater diversity in UK public boards.

The UK Government launched a diversity action plan in December pledging half of all public boards would be female by 2022.

In Scotland the same target is now required by legislation.

As well as encouraging more women and people from minorities onto public bodies, the UK Government wants to encourage people from different parts of the UK onto national bodies such as government departments and agencies.

Speakers at the launch in Scotland included Glaswegian broadcaster Muriel Gray, who is on the board of the British museum, Lesley Sawers, Scotland commissioner for the Equality and Human Rights Commission and Aberdeen-educated Dame Susan Rice, who has held a number of prominent positions as well as her banking career.

UK minister for Implementation, Oliver Dowden said: “We need to attract the brightest and the best from across the UK to serve on our public boards and to see them truly reflect British society.

“A range of people from across the country bring new perspectives, different backgrounds, and diversity of thought, which strengthens decision-making and improves outcomes.

“Serving on a public board is both exciting and rewarding - I encourage everybody to consider taking up a role.”

The Scottish Parliament approved the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Bill at the end of January.