Press Story

Scotland’s leading independent think-tank has appointed an Advisory Board to guide its work on supporting public policy in Scotland.

Key figures from all the political parties represented in the Scottish Parliament in the last parliamentary term have welcomed the appointment of a new Advisory Board to guide the work of IPPR Scotland.

Senior people from across the private, public and third sectors will help steer the research plans and organisational direction for the cross-party progressive think-tank, founded late last year to build a progressive future for Scotland.

The Advisory Board comprises:

Kenneth Barclay – former Chairman, Scotland of the Royal Bank of Scotland
Naomi Eisenstadt – Independent Advisor on Poverty and Inequality to the Scottish Government and leading academic
Martyn Evans – Chief Executive of the Carnegie UK Trust
Annie Gunner Logan - Director of CCPS – Coalition of Care and Support Providers in Scotland
Iain MacRitchie – Chairman & CEO, MCR Holdings and founder of MCR Pathways – a leading charity working with care experienced young people
Carol Tannahill – Director of Glasgow Centre for Population Health and Chief Social Policy Advisor to the Scottish Government.

Further appointees may be added following May’s Scottish Parliament elections.

Russell Gunson, Director of IPPR Scotland, said:

“As a new progressive think tank, I’m absolutely delighted that IPPR Scotland has been able to appoint such well-respected figures to help guide our work.

“With experience across the top levels of government, business, public services and the third sector, IPPR Scotland’s Advisory Board will play a crucial role in developing us an organisation, and in shaping and steering our research priorities. There are clearly huge opportunities coming, and big challenges too, to make Scotland the progressive and fairer country we want to see. Every one of our Advisory Board brings something different and I hope will successfully support me and the organisation to be one of the most influential contributors to public policy in Scotland.”

John Swinney, SNP Campaign Director, said:

“A robust and diverse think tank sector is important for Scotland’s political process, providing independent research and analysis that can illuminate public debate.

"I welcome the development of IPPR Scotland and the appointment of its Advisory Board.

“If think tanks are doing their job right then politicians will not always agree with them, but we look forward to the IPPR Scotland Advisory Board making a productive contribution to Scottish public life.”

Kezia Dugdale, Leader of Scottish Labour, said:

"There are huge inequalities in Scotland that the politicians and the parliament need help to address. Think tanks like IPPR Scotland are central to researching and developing the solutions that Scotland needs now and for the future. I know there will be times when we won't agree, but, it's the job of think tanks to sometimes challenge our politics with evidence, and IPPR Scotland will do just that.

“I very much welcome the creation of IPPR Scotland and, the appointment of these senior figures from across Scotland to its Advisory Board. I know IPPR Scotland will be a positive new voice working to support and challenge the debate across the political spectrum in Scotland."

Ruth Davidson, Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, said:

“With new powers coming to Scotland - we need a progressive and solid cross-party think tank more than ever - one that provides scrutiny of the key decision-makers in Parliament.

"It is fantastic to see a real mix of people from various public sector, voluntary and private organisations join the advisory board and I'm sure these appointments will only enhance and grow IPPR in Scotland for the better."

Willie Rennie, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, said:

"MSPs returning to Holyrood after the election will be part of the most powerful Scottish Parliament ever. Never before has it been more important for our elected representatives to have in-depth analysis of the issues we face as a country. I am sure that the IPPR Scotland will provide important insight that will help shape the political agenda over the next few years."

Patrick Harvie, co-convenor of the Scottish Greens, said:

"From chaos caused by climate change to developments in information technology and rapid changes in the labour market, our society is facing a huge array of challenges that we need to urgently find solutions to. The Scottish Greens believe that in order to do this, Scotland needs big, bold new ideas and proper debate. We welcome IPPR Scotland in joining this important discussion."

ENDS

Contact:

Ash Singleton, a.singleton@ippr.org, 07887 422 789

Russell Gunson, r.gunson@ippr.org, 07766 904 332

Notes to editors:

Kenneth Barclay, Naomi Eisenstadt and Annie Gunner Logan are available for interview. The IPPR Scotland Advisory Board’s role will be to shape the policy research programme for IPPR Scotland, and to steer the organisational direction of IPPR Scotland.