It’s a real privilege to contribute to Scottish public life through a non-executive appointment – and immensely rewarding.
Lindsay Burley
Chair, National Waiting Times Centre Board
2003 - 2010
Who am I? I am a business coach and mediator and a partner with my husband in Eskhill & Co, based in Musselburgh. Previously Chief Executive of Borders Health Board, I enjoyed a varied thirty year NHS career as a physician and senior manager. I have held several non executive Board positions, including the Chair of the National Waiting Times Centre Board for Scotland, and non-executive positions with NHS Education for Scotland and the Scottish Further & Higher Education Funding Council. I have just been appointed Chair of the Scottish Association for Mental Health.
Why did I want to become a board member? I have enjoyed being involved in organisations for many years, and over the last decade have found real satisfaction in the role of chair and non-executive director. As a Chief Executive I was very aware of the critical nature of the relationship between Chair and CE, and was keen to contribute to that from “the other side”.
What do I bring to the role? A combination of many years experience in the Scottish NHS, a continued passion for health and health services, and more recent experience as a coach and mediator.
What do I get out of it? I really enjoy the involvement in organisations facing continual challenge and change, and get great satisfaction from supporting executive colleagues through these challenges. I find the combination of different non-executive responsibilities with my coaching and mediation business to be particularly stimulating.
What advice would I give someone who is thinking of applying? Try and meet the Chair to find out about the organisation, and to get a feel for the style of the Chair. Don’t give up if an application is unsuccessful – do get feedback from the relevant appointments unit.