New faces join the Commission Board as long-serving members step down

We're delighted to welcome two new members to the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland’s Board: Beth-Anne McDowall and Alan Wright.

Beth-Anne McDowall joins us with ten years' experience championing the rights of care-experienced children and adults. She's worked on the front lines in local government, a national children’s charity, and now a health board. Her outstanding contributions earned her a YouthLink Scotland Award in 2018 and a YoungScot Award in 2022. Remarkably, Beth-Anne became Scotland’s youngest non-executive director at just 19, serving on the Children’s Hearings Scotland board for over eight years.

"I’m absolutely delighted to join the Commission," Beth-Anne shared. "Protecting and promoting people’s welfare and rights in Scotland means everything to me. It’s a real privilege, and I’ll give it my absolute best."

Alan Wright brings over 30 years of senior leadership, mostly in policing, along with strong experience in corporate governance and managing major changes. He’s currently vice chair of the East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust, a non-executive director at the Scottish Public Pensions Agency and works as an associate inspector with His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland.

"Having faced my own mental health challenges," Alan said, "I’m really pleased to join the Commission and help push forward mental welfare and protection across Scotland."

A fond farewell

We are also saying thank you and goodbye to Mary Twaddle and Gordon Johnstone as their terms on the Board come to an end. Gordon summed up his eight years perfectly:

"It’s been a quick eight years! Working with everyone has been such a pleasure. Best of luck to you all, and to the Commission for the future. Serving on the Board has been a real honour. Hope to see you all soon."

Julie Paterson, chief executive, Mental Welfare Commission said:

“A huge welcome to Beth-Anne and Alan! Their energy and expertise will be valuable assets. And our warmest thanks to Mary and Gordon for their dedication and significant contributions over many years. They’ll be greatly missed."

These changes strengthen our Board as we continue our vital work safeguarding the rights and welfare of people with mental ill-health, learning disabilities, dementia and related conditions across Scotland.