Professor Linda Bauld appointed Interim Chief Social Policy Adviser
Congratulations to Professor Linda Bauld, who has been appointed to the role of Interim Chief Social Policy Adviser within the Scottish Government.
Linda will work with teams across the Scottish Government to support a comprehensive programme of work on COVID recovery, bringing a wealth of experience across the fields of behavioural science, public health and social policy. She will be seconded to the role on a part time basis for up to nine months, from the end of September 2021.
Linda holds the Bruce and John Usher Chair of Public Health at the University of Edinburgh, and is Director of the research consortium, SPECTRUM - a multi-university, multi-agency research consortium focused on the commercial determinants of health and health inequalities funded by the UK Prevention Research Partnership.
I'm delighted to be taking up the role of Chief Social Policy Adviser on an interim basis during a critical period for Scotland's progress through the COVID-19 pandemic. As the immediate threat to health from the virus diminishes at the population level, the focus now shifts to COVID recovery. I look forward to working with the Scottish government and a wide range of organisations with a particular focus on addressing the social harms arising from the pandemic. I will continue with my University and related responsibilities on a part time basis while in this role. There is much to be done, and I hope my contributions will make a positive difference for communities across the country.