Professor Ursula Kilkelly:

The board is a very unusual body in so far as nominees from three Departments are represented on it, as are representatives of staff and the neighbouring community. In addition, five people are appointed to the board through the Public Appointments Service process. This is done with particular reference to expertise in governance, finance, risk and human resources matters. There is a focus on young people as part of that. While it is an unusual body, in some respects, it provides an interesting and diverse range of perspectives on issues. Robust discussions take place within the board and when management personnel are being held to account on various issues. During the great deal of work that has been done to date, it has been found that this structure is working really well. At this point, it is enabling us to focus on the matters that are at the heart of what we are doing. Our governance structure has made very good progress in that respect. It is paying dividends. Even though our board might be unusual in its composition, its diverse perspectives and voices are important because they facilitate communication with staff, the neighbouring community, the relevant Departments and other stakeholders. I think that is an important point.