Sean Austin

Katie Docherty

Natalie Don-Innes, Minister for Children, Young People and the Promise, has announced the reappointment of Sean Austin and Katie Docherty as members of the Children’s Hearings Scotland Board.

Former Panel Member with broad strategic experience

Sean Austin, a former Panel Member, has had a long executive career in the UK, Europe and USA, during which he held senior roles at Boots, Budelpack International, Kerry Group and Paterson Arran. Sean is now an experienced Board Adviser, Non-Executive Director and Chair. Previously, he was Chairman at Border Biscuits.

In addition to his role with CHS, he provides strategic advice and consultancy to manufacturing businesses, and he is a Trustee, Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair at Inflammatory Neuropathies UK. He brings a range of skills and expertise to his role at CHS including corporate governance and financial control, audit and risk management, strategy development and organisational transformation.

Youth and third-sector leader

Katie Docherty has previously worked with children and young people as the Chief Executive of Scouts Scotland for five years, and currently volunteers as a Scout Leader. She brings extensive governance and board experience as a third sector leader as the current Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, and a Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organisations (ACOSVO).

Reappointment

These reappointments will be for four years, from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2029. They are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.