New Public Health Scotland Chair appointed

The Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Jenni Minto MSP and COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly today announced the appointment of Ally Boyle as Chair of the Public Health Scotland Board.

Ally is a Non-Executive Director for NHS Lanarkshire Board where he is the Board Vice Chair, the Chair of the Population Health Committee and a voting member of the South Lanarkshire Integration Joint Board. He is also a Non-Executive Director of NHS Education for Scotland. He retired from the Fire and Rescue Service in 2014 having held many senior positions across the West of Scotland. Prior to the reform of Scottish Fire & Rescue Services he was the Head of Community Safety for Strathclyde Fire & Rescue and a member of the Corporate Management Team.

In 2018, Ally was awarded an MBE for services to charity and the fire and rescue service.

This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner and will be for four years, from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2029. Mr Boyle replaces Ms Foster in her role as Chair.

Angiolina Foster CBE, Current PHS Chair, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Ally to PHS as my successor.  He will find himself working with high calibre colleagues on a very inspiring mission.  His background and experience – both personal and professional – will be a huge asset to us in our work.”

Paul Johnston, Chief Executive of PHS, said: 

“I welcome the appointment of Ally and the enormous experience and leadership he brings as the new Chair of Public Health Scotland.

“This is a pivotal time for PHS as we pursue our mission to improve Scotland’s health and tackle health inequalities. I look forward to working with Ally as we develop our next 10-year strategy and work with the Scottish Government, COSLA and a wide range of other partners on the delivery of the Population Health Framework.”

Ally Boyle, PHS Chair from September 2025, said:

“I’m absolutely delighted to take up the role of Chair of Public Health Scotland. I want to acknowledge the significant contribution of Angiolina, whose leadership has helped shape the organisation’s foundations. I’m looking forward to meeting colleagues across PHS, listening to your perspectives and working together to build on this progress.

"As PHS Chair, I will ensure that we deliver on the ambitions of the Population Health Framework while playing our full part in wider public sector reform. By combining our expertise, creativity, and shared commitment, I believe we can make a real and lasting difference for our communities, working with them to improve life expectancy and health outcomes”

Find out more about the appointment on the Scottish Government website