Fiona Brown named as next Public Guardian

27th July 2018 | careers

Scotland's next Public Guardian and Accountant of Court has been named, with the appointment of Fiona Brown to succeed Sandra McDonald who is taking early retirement.

Ms Brown has been Deputy Public Guardian and Accountant of Court since 2015, having moved to the Office of the Public Guardian after a career in the court service which she joined straight from school. She takes over as Public Guardian and Accountant of Court from 1 August 2018.

Ms McDonald is stepping down after 14 years, having taken up the post, as only the second Public Guardian for Scotland, in August 2004 following a career in nursing, public sector management and the law.

Her time in office has seen a period of huge growth in the use of powers of attorney and guardianship, which has risen by more than 400%. Scotland was the first country in the world to create a Public Guardian office and the model has since been followed by many other countries.

She commented: "On 31 July, exactly 14 years after I started, I complete what has been the most challenging but, by a country mile, the most satisfying role of my career. I have been privileged to work with the most dedicated and committed team at the OPG and AoC whose enthusiasm and loyalty has never wavered. As Fiona takes over, I can only hope the role is as fulfilling for her as it has been for me."

Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service chief executive Eric McQueen added: "Sandra’s contribution as Public Guardian over the past 14 years has been truly immense. Not only has Sandra made sure that Scotland leads the way in supporting adults with incapacity but she has shared her approach internationally, helping other countries develop their own public guardianship services. Sandra’s desire to do the right thing is only matched by her enthusiasm to stimulate others to create the climate for change."

He added: "I am delighted to welcome Fiona to this new role and know that she will lead OPG and AoC through an exciting period of change, making her own mark as Public Guardian."