WIREDGOV

Panel members appointed.

A panel of experts has been appointed to consider applications for financial redress from survivors of historical child abuse in care.

The 20 panel members bring a broad range of experience and expertise from education, social work and the legal, health and charity sectors.

The appointments follow a robust recruitment process which included interviews with a panel of survivors.

The Chair of Redress Scotland, Johnny Gwynne, former Deputy Chief Constable of Police Scotland, was appointed earlier this year.

Welcoming the appointments, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:

“For decades, some children in residential care were failed by those trusted to look after them. Scotland’s Redress Scheme is a national endeavour to acknowledge what happened, and provide recognition of the harm caused to children who were abused historically in care.

“While nothing can ever make up for what survivors experienced, the scheme offers an alternative to court action that is a faster, more survivor-focused route to redress.

“Redress Scotland panel members have an important role to play in the scheme by bringing independent, fair and consistent decision-making to all applications. Their work will help ensure we deliver a scheme that is robust and treats applicants with fairness, dignity and compassion. This is a strong pool of panel members with a breadth of knowledge and experience.”

Mr Gwynne said:

“I would like to welcome all 20 panel members to Redress Scotland. Each brings a set of skills and expertise which will be invaluable as we work together to deliver a redress scheme that earns the trust of survivors.”

Background

The members appointed to Redress Scotland are: Andrea Darling; Andrea Higgins; Andrew Mason; Anne Houston; Bill Matthews; Brian Houston; Eileen Skinner; Emma Lewis; Jacqueline McGarvey; Jane Gordon; Lynne Harvie; Marcia Samuels; Mary McCallan; Paul Gilroy; Rachel Happer; Safina Din; Sam Gower; Sara Lurie; Susan Fallone; Zeenat Islam.

Biographies for Redress Scotland panel members

The scheme is established by the Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Act 2021 which received Royal Assent in April. It will be open for applications to those who experienced abuse prior to 1 December 2004 in eligible residential care settings. The scheme will be open for applications before the end of 2021.

Survivors will be able to apply for a fixed rate redress payment of £10,000, or an individually assessed redress payment which will involve a more detailed examination of their experience. The individually assessed redress payment levels are set at £20,000, £40,000, £60,000, £80,000 or £100,000.

Survivors who apply for financial redress will also be offered access to some non-financial elements of redress such as acknowledgement, apology and therapeutic support.

Redress Scotland is an independent public body.