Two New Board Members Appointed in 2026
On Monday 8 June, The Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Neil Gray MSP, announced the appointment of two new Members to the Board of the Risk Management Authority.
We are delighted to welcome Dr Stuart Doig and Sharon Stirrat to the Board. Our Board meet every two months; they are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the RMA and ensuring our work continues to contribute to Making Scotland Safer.
Geraldine O’Hare, RMA Board Convener, said: “I am delighted to welcome Stuart and Sharon to the RMA Board. Both new members come with significant experience and expertise, and on behalf of the Board, I wish them both well in their roles going forward.”
Paul Keoghan, Interim Chief Executive, added: “On behalf of the RMA team and myself, I am very pleased to welcome Stuart and Sharon. We look forward to working with and learning from both.”
Dr Stuart Doig has worked as a consultant forensic psychiatrist for over 15 years. He currently works at Scotland’s national high secure unit at the State Hospital, Carstairs and has also worked across local secure services and prisons. In these roles he has contributed to the assessment and management of complex risk in hospital, custody and the community. Since 2010, he has provided risk assessment reports to the High Court on individuals being considered for an Order for Lifelong Restriction. Dr Doig has also held senior medical management roles in NHS with responsibility for clinical governance of mental health and learning disability services, supporting the delivery of service improvement. His combination of clinical and governance experience brings a system-wide perspective to the work of the Risk Management Authority.
Sharon Stirrat is an experienced Social Work Manager and Director of Operations working across Justice Social Work in Local Authorities and Third Sector for over 40 years. She worked as a Professional Adviser for two years with Scottish Government Community Justice Directorate on the Reducing Reoffending Programme which involved writing national guidance and leading on a number of justice and effective practice related projects. Sharon also engages at strategic level with committees and programme boards, on various justice policy and practice areas including the prison population, prison-based social work, prevention, community sentences and public protection. She also collaborates with key stakeholders including Academics, Scottish Prison Service, Home Office, Parole Board for Scotland, COSLA, Community Justice Scotland and many more. Her skill areas include leadership, people management, communication, coaching and quality assurance.
Both appointments will be for 5 years and will run from 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2031. The appointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner. Learn more about all Board Members here.