30.06.2010
Matt Smith OBE has been appointed to the Scottish Human Rights Commission, it was announced today to the Scottish Parliament.
Mr Smith will take up the position as a part-time Member of the body which was created to promote and protect human rights in Scotland.
Membership of the Commission consists of Professor Alan Miller, as Chair, along with three part-time Members who work an average of 30 days per year.
The full membership of the Scottish Human Rights Commission will be:
• Professor Alan Miller, Chair
• Professor Kay Hampton, part-time Member
• Shelagh McCall, part-time Member
• Matt Smith, part-time Member
Mr Smith is expected to take up post on 1 September 2010 and will replace Mr John McNeill.
Biographical information on Mr Matt Smith
Matt Smith is the Scottish Secretary of UNISON and a former President of the STUC. He is also a member of the Employment Appeals Tribunal and an Executive member and Honorary Fellow of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry.
He sits as a JP in North Ayrshire and is a Justice of the Peace Advisory Committee member for North Strathclyde. He was appointed earlier this year to the Standards Commission for Scotland.
Background information
The Scottish Commission for Human Rights Act 2006 provides for the establishment of a body corporate to be known as the Scottish Commission for Human Rights. The Commission promotes widespread awareness, understanding of, and respect for, human rights.
The part-time Members of the Commission are paid a daily rate of £253.75, plus expenses.
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