Angiolina Foster CBE new Chair of Public Health Scotland

The Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport Maree Todd MSP, and COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson Councillor Stuart Currie, today announced the appointment of Angiolina Foster CBE as the new Chair of the Public Health Scotland (PHS) Board.

PHS is the lead national agency for improving and protecting the health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland. Its focus is on increasing healthy life expectancy and reducing premature mortality. The new Chair will have an important role in leading how the organisation responds to the wider determinants of health which impact upon the health and wellbeing of people living in Scotland, with emphasis on prevention and early intervention.

This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner and will be for four years, from 1 September 2021 to 31 August 2025. Ms Foster replaces Mr Jim McGoldrick in his role as Interim Chair.

Speaking of her appointment, Angiolina Foster CBE said:

“PHS has provided significant national leadership and support for local systems in the past 16 months. This is all the more impressive considering the circumstances into which the new organisation was launched and the challenges presented by the pandemic. 

"I join PHS at a time when our combined focus and efforts are returning to the country’s pre-existing public health challenges. Poverty, inequalities, poor mental health, and problem drug use alongside our COVID work increasingly need our national leadership and support for local action. I look forward to working with the Board, our joint sponsors, and partner organisations to make a difference to people’s lives in Scotland”.

Angela Leitch, Chief Executive of PHS, said: 

“Working together with partners across the public sector is crucial to tackling Scotland’s public health challenges. Angiolina has extensive experience of local and national government and has worked in a range of key policy areas including health and social care, communities and housing. Having most recently led one of our fellow national health boards, NHS24, our new Chair also has significant experience of health board governance. I look forward to working with Angiolina to drive forward improved outcomes in our communities, which is an ambition I know she shares.

“Angiolina’s arrival marks the end of our current Chair’s tenure. Jim McGoldrick oversaw the establishment of the organisation and has provided calm and measured leadership throughout the challenges of the last 16 months. My thanks go to Jim, whose commitment to the organisation and our vision has provided firm foundations on which our new Chair can build”.

View the Public Appointments News Release (external website)