The Board is responsible for the overall direction and performance of our organisation, including our efficiency and effectiveness as a public body.
Due to the real and substantial risk to public health due to infection or contamination with coronavirus and the guidance from Scottish Government around office closures all SEPA Board and Committee meetings are to be held virtually for the foreseeable future.
On 28 April 2020, the Agency Board approved the suspension of paragraphs 8, 31 and 32 of the Standing Orders for Meetings of the Agency Board and Board Standing Committees. This decision will be reviewed, at least every, two months. Agency and Strategy Board agenda’s and approved Minutes will continue to be published as will public papers. If you have any queries please contact the Clerk to the Board: Jennifer.mcwhirter@sepa.org.uk
The Board is responsible for the overall direction and performance of our organisation, including our efficiency and effectiveness as a public body.
Members come from a variety of business, environmental and health backgrounds, and bring with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise, as well as passion for environmental issues, all of which helps us to deliver our statutory purpose and One Planet Prosperity approach to regulation.
Appointments to our Board are made by Scottish Ministers and are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland. Appointments are normally for a four-year term with the possibility of a further term, subject to evidence of effective performance and satisfying the skills, knowledge and personal qualities required on the Board at the time of re-appointment.
A full description of our Board’s role and responsibilities is detailed within its Standing Orders. Additionally, Board members are required to comply with the Code of Conduct for Members of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
The Chair is responsible for overall leadership, and is personally responsible to Scottish Ministers.
There are currently 10 Board members, who attend Board meetings, as well as ad-hoc strategy meetings, working groups and other meetings. They also meet with SEPA staff to discuss key strategic issues, attend relevant seminars and events run by SEPA or partner organisations.
Our Chief Executive sits on the Board, and to whom day-to-day management of SEPA.is delegated. The CEO is responsible for delivering our strategic outcomes and long term objectives that have been approved by the Board, as well as making decisions relating to the daily operation and performance of the organisation.
The Audit Committee is convened by the Board to monitor and review risk, control and corporate governance.
Members are appointed to the Committee by the Board under the terms of the organisation’s Standing Orders, to assist and advise it in undertaking its responsibilities.
It meets to receive reports from internal and external auditors and SEPA staff. The Committee is governed by its Terms of Reference and remit.
Please contact our Clerk to the Board, Jennifer McWhirter.