COVID adviser Linda Bauld has been appointed interim Chief Social Policy Adviser by the Scottish Government, it has been announced.
Professor Bauld has been a regular on TV and radio since the beginning of the pandemic, commenting on the variety of restrictions put in place by the Scottish Government.
The chair of public health at Edinburgh University was made an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in June this year.
And now, Bauld has taken on the role of Chief Social Policy Adviser after Carol Tannahill, who held the post since April 2014, retired.
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The role will mean Bauld is responsible for advising on reducing poverty and inequality and supporting the use of “evidence to inform policy-making”.
Bauld will work with teams across the Scottish Government to support a programme of work on Covid recovery, and will bring experience across the fields of behavioural science, public health and social policy.
A large part of the job is also to help “develop approaches” to deliver the National Performance Framework - which has a wide range of aims to “create a more successful country” in policy areas ranging from wellbeing to education.
The Scottish Government made the announcement on Twitter on Monday, writing: “Professor Linda Bauld will take up the role of interim Chief Social Policy Adviser on September 27, replacing Professor Carol Tannahill who will retire at this time.
“Linda Bauld brings a wealth of experience across the fields of behavioural science, public health and social policy; and has provided advice and insight throughout the pandemic.”
Bauld will take on the interim role for nine months on a part-time basis from September
In a statement, Bauld said: “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.
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“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.”
Bauld will be seconded to the role on a part time basis for up to nine months, from 27 September 2021, and will continue in her other positions at Edinburgh Univeristy during that time period.
At the university, Bauld holds roles including Director of the SECTRUM research consortium and Bruce and John Usher Chair in Public Health.
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