Hansard

I speak on behalf of the cross-party selection panel, which was established under our standing orders, to invite members to nominate Judith Robertson to Her Majesty the Queen for appointment as the chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission. The Official Report should record that the selection panel was chaired by the Presiding Officer and that the other members who were appointed to the panel were Christine Grahame, John Lamont, Kenny MacAskill, Alison McInnes, Fiona McLeod and Elaine Murray.

Members will be aware that Parliament is not subject to the “Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies in Scotland”, but it follows the guidelines to ensure that best practice is observed and that the process is open and fair. On behalf of the panel, I thank the independent assessor, Louise Rose, who has provided Parliament with a validation certificate that confirms that the process complied with good practice and that the nomination is made on merit after a fair, open and transparent process.

I turn to our nominee. Members will wish to welcome Judith Robertson to the gallery. She was the panel’s unanimous choice from a strong field of candidates who were invited to interview. She currently works for the Scottish Association for Mental Health as see me programme director. Prior to joining SAMH, she was head of Oxfam Scotland.

The panel believes that Ms Robertson will bring to the post enthusiasm, integrity and a determination to promote widespread awareness and understanding of and respect for human rights across all communities in Scotland. I am sure that Parliament will want to wish her every success in her new role. [Applause.]

I think that Parliament will also wish to record its thanks to the inaugural chair of the commission, Professor Alan Miller, and to wish him well for the future. [Applause.]

I move,

That the Parliament nominates Ms Judith Robertson to Her Majesty The Queen for appointment as the Chair of the Scottish Commission for Human Rights.