Extended term of office of the interim chairman of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee

Cath Denholm’s appointment as interim chair of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) has been extended.

Cath has been a member of the Committee since April 2022 and previously served as Vice-Chair. Her appointment will last until December 30, 2024, or until a substantive Chairman is appointed after the completion of the public appointment process.

Cath was appointed on an interim basis in April 2024 on an exceptional and non-competitive basis, following consultation with the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Biography

Cath Denholm joined the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) as executive director of corporate services in June 2020. Cath was interim chief executive of the EHRC from September 2023 to March 2024, returning to the role of chief operating officer in April 2024

Previously, Cath worked for over 20 years in NHS Scotland in both management and strategic roles in primary care, GP assessment and public health. He is also a member of the Institute of Directors and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Cath previously served on the NatureScot Board from 2016 and was Vice-Chair from 2019 to March 2022. Her overarching professional interests include human rights, leadership in public service, and partnerships working across sectors to achieve equitable access for all and protect nature’s rich future.

Comments:

• The JNCC is the UK Government’s sole statutory adviser on nature, working with the four nations of the UK and our overseas territories and Crown dependencies. It provides sound scientific evidence and advice to help decision-makers transform science into conservation action.
• JNCC works with partners on land and at sea in the UK, UK Overseas Territories, Crown Dependencies and around the world.