CONSUMER SCOTLAND
GOVERNANCE BOARD MEETING
Tuesday 16th June
12:30 – 15:00
Virtual, via Microsoft Teams
Draft Minute
Board Members present:
David Wilson, Chair (DW)
Angela Morgan, Member (AM)
Jane Clark Hutchison (JCH)
James Walker, Member (JW)
Marion McDonald, Member (MM)
Also in attendance:
Sam Ghibaldan, Chief Executive
Sue Bomphray, Director of Operations and Partnerships
David Eiser, Director of Research, Analysis and Investigations
Douglas White, Director of Policy and Advocacy
Jill Rosie, Asst Director of Operations and Partnerships (Item 3)
Craig McClue, Head of Investigations (Item 10)
Gemma Black, Secretariat
1. Welcome and Declarations of Interest
The Chair opened the governance session, confirmed that the meeting was being recorded, and invited declarations of interest. None were raised, and no apologies were noted.
2. Minutes from previous Board meetings / ARC minutes / Action Tracker
The Board approved the minutes of the May 2026 meeting without amendment and the most recent Audit and Risk Committee minutes were noted.
The Board reviewed the action tracker. A small number of actions remain open, including those relating to Board visits, which are being reconsidered to ensure they add sufficient value. Several actions were recommended for closure, including work on parliamentary engagement, the performance framework and CCVC.
It was noted that proposals on ARC structure and operating rhythm, alongside the ARC effectiveness review, will be brought forward to the September meetings. The Board agreed that the presentation of the tracker could be improved to better distinguish between completed and closing actions.
3. Chief Executive Update
The Chief Executive provided an update on progress following the recent strategy session. Early engagement is underway to shape the approach to the strategic plan refresh, supported by internal staff input.
The emerging strategic narrative centres on:
- preventing consumer harm
- protecting consumers
- enabling consumer participation
The CEO noted that Consumer Scotland now sits within the remit of the Public Service Reform Committee, creating new opportunities for Consumer Scotland to influence the public service reform agenda.
The Board emphasised the importance of consistent messaging, alongside clear articulation of Consumer Scotland’s role within public service reform.
The Board also noted an update on the review of consumer advice coding frameworks in collaboration with the Department for Business and Trade and Citizens Advice. It has been some time since these were updated and the work aims to improve the relevance, consistency and usefulness of consumer data. Though historically there were GB-wide codes, work was ongoing to identify current differences as it appears that Advice Direct Scotland has diverged from these.
Members recognised the potential benefits of greater alignment for intelligence and trend analysis, alongside the practical and stakeholder challenges this may present. It was agreed that the forthcoming consultation should be used constructively to inform Consumer Scotland’s position and support wider engagement across the advice landscape.
Action: Outcomes paper following the strategy session to be circulated to the Board. Action: Stakeholder Engagement Plan and a briefing on the PSR plan to be circulated.
4. Management Accounts
The Board considered the first management accounts of the financial year and noted that fuller variance reporting will follow in subsequent cycles.
Discussion focused on the forecast funding shortfall for 2026–27, and the need to carefully balance current-year decisions on spend, contracts and resourcing with longer-term financial sustainability. The Board noted that this would remain a key area of focus.
5. Annual Whistleblowing Report
The Board noted that no whistleblowing cases have been reported during the year or since inception and confirmed that the policy remains fit for purpose. Minor updates have been made to reflect legislative changes. The Board noted that we have various routes for people to raise any concerns.
Action: The Director of Operations and Partnerships to assess if any relevant guidance is currently available for Board members, and will provide an update in due course.
6. Risk
The Board reviewed the updated strategic risk register and welcomed the significant improvement in clarity and alignment with current strategic priorities.
Members noted that the revised register provides a stronger reflection of the organisation’s strategic risks and development context. Some refinement to the presentation and rating of specific risks was suggested.
Action: Review wording and rating presentation of risk register to ensure clarity.
7. Annual Report and Accounts
The Board reviewed progress on the Annual Report and Accounts and noted substantial improvement in both structure and narrative.
In particular, the Board welcomed:
- stronger articulation of organisational impact
- improved alignment with the performance framework
- clearer overall messaging on progress and delivery
Members encouraged further development of the approach for future reports to evidencing impact, particularly in demonstrating clearer links between activity, policy change and consumer outcomes.
9. CCVC – SRP Recommendations
The Board considered options for the future governance of the Consumers in Vulnerable Circumstances Committee (CCVC).
There was broad support for a hybrid approach, strengthening the relationship between the Board and the Committee while maintaining the flexibility and advisory nature that underpins its effectiveness. Members agreed that a more formal committee structure could reduce agility.
This direction provides sufficient clarity to support forthcoming membership renewal decisions while allowing further development of the Board–Committee relationship.
10. Investigations – Approval Paper
The Board received an update on the used car investigation, which is due for publication later in the week.
Members noted that Board feedback has been incorporated, including strengthening recommendations and clarifying ownership of actions. Plans are in place for publication, stakeholder engagement and communications.
Discussion focused on:
- prioritisation of key recommendations
- how impact and progress will be tracked
- the need for a structured follow-up approach to investigations over time
The Board supported the development of a systematic approach to post-publication actions.
AOB
The Chief Executive noted improvements in organisational communications and social media presence. Members discussed the potential for more coordinated Board engagement to amplify messaging.
Action: The Director of Operations and Partnerships to discuss notification of any future social media posts with Head of Communications to develop a coordinated approach of post shares.
Action: JCH noted that a People Strategy paper will be brought to the September meeting.
Close
The Chair thanked members for their contributions and closed the meeting.