Former police chief appointed member of health board

Retired police chief Malcolm Bell has been appointed to Shetland NHS Board for a period of four years, which began on Monday.

Mr Bell spent almost 30 years in the police service with the Northern Constabulary. His last post, prior to retirement, was as area commander for Shetland and deputy divisional commander for the North Division, responsible for the areas of Caithness and Sutherland, Orkney and Shetland.

During his time as Shetland’s police chief Mr Bell chaired the child protection committee, leading the multi-agency group through a high level inspection by HMIe. He was a member of Shetland Alcohol and Drugs Action Team and also sat on the Shetland Community Planning Partnership.

Mr Bell is currently acting as interim general manager of the social enterprise company Cope. He also serves as an honorary sheriff at Lerwick Sheriff Court and is an adviser for Voluntary Action Shetland, both of which are unpaid posts.

Board chairman Ian Kinniburgh said Mr Bell brought to the board a vast experience of management at strategic level, including knowledge of building and leading successful teams and partnership working across agencies, as well as service delivery in a remote and rural area.

Mr Kinniburgh said: “I am very pleased to welcome Malcolm to the board. He brings a wealth of relevant experience and knowledge gained at a high level in the public sector and has demonstrated his commitment and enthusiasm for improving the quality of life for vulnerable people in Shetland in his work with other agencies and committees.”