Following the departure of a number of Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Board members this year, Keith Brown, Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning, today announced the appointment of four new members to the Board of SDS.

The new members are Gill Troup, Keith Howell, Martin Togneri and Paul McKelvie.

Keith Howell has over twenty years of private sector experience, having held Finance and Management Executive Director roles within the industrial and construction sectors. He has held senior non-executive positions in both small and medium sized enterprises and gained extensive experience through previous roles, including Chair of the charity Turning Point Scotland.

Gill Troup is currently Depute Principal and Vice Principal of the University of the West of Scotland and has a wealth of experience in developing strategic and operational plans from previous higher education and senior civil service positions, both within Scotland and Whitehall. She also serves as Chair of Youth Scotland and is a Board member of Lifelong Learning (UK) Scotland.

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Paul McKelvie has held senior positions within the private sector having served as Director of Scottish Power Learning and Corporate Responsibility Director between 2000 and 2007. His roles have involved a particular focus on learning and development and he now serves as Vice Chair and a Board member of the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). In 2005 he was awarded an OBE for services to Lifelong Learning in Scotland.

Martin Togneri has considerable experience both within the public sector and at a senior level within the Higher Education sector. He was the founding Chief Executive of Scottish Development International and has a strong track record of supporting business development both in Scotland and overseas. He was Dean of the Caledonian Business School at Glasgow Caledonian University between 2007 and 2009.

These appointments will run from 1 August 2010.

Gill Troup and Keith Howell have been appointed for four years. Paul McKelvie and Martin Togneri have been appointed for two years.

The posts are part-time and attract a remuneration of £6,240 per annum for a time commitment of 2 days per month.

Paul McKelvie holds another Ministerial public appointment. As a member of the SFC Board, he receives a remuneration of £11,556 per annum.

Skills Development Scotland is the national body which provides training (such as Modern Apprenticeships and Get Ready for Work) and information, advice and guidance on careers, improving employment opportunities and skills for individuals and businesses. As such, it plays a central role in Scotland's economic recovery.

These Ministerial public appointments were made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland's Code of Practice.

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public. Appointees have declared no political activity within the last five years.

(GK/KMcA)