SEPA Board

Legally, the Agency Board constitutes SEPA. The members of the Board are appointed by the Scottish Ministers and, as well as appointing the Chairman of SEPA, the Scottish Ministers appoint a member as Deputy Chairman. The Chairman is personally responsible to Scottish Ministers. The Board has responsibility for ensuring that SEPA fulfils the aims and objectives set by the Scottish Ministers and membership of the Board includes a Chief Executive to whom is delegated the day-to-day management of SEPA.

The role of the Board (among other things) is to:

  • establish the overall strategic direction of the organisation within the policy and resources framework agreed with the responsible Minister
  • oversee the delivery of planned results by monitoring performance of the organisation against agreed objectives and targets
  • ensure that SEPA operates sound environmental policies in relation to its own operations
  • demonstrate high standards of corporate governance at all times
  • ensure that statutory requirements for the use of public funds are complied with.

To provide for greater efficiency and more effective governance the Agency Board has agreed that matters previously considered by the Planning and Finance Committee and the Human Resources and Remuneration Committee will be presented to a meeting of the Board. The Audit Committee will continue in its current form to monitor and review risk, control and corporate governance.

As detailed in SEPA’s Annual Operating Plan 2009-2010, SEPA’s Regional Boards (North, South West and East) have been phased out and a new approach to local engagement has been developed. From January 2010, non-executive engagement with customers, partners and stakeholders will be carried out by Agency Board members and will be reported to a meeting of the Board.

The historical records of the Regional Boards will be held in perpetuity and can be obtained from Jennifer McCulloch, Clerk to the Board.

Meetings of SEPA's Board are open to the public except during the consideration of private or confidential items.