All our Non-Executive Board members (NEBM) sit on the Advisory Board and some are also members of the Audit and Risk Committee.

The Advisory Board plays a crucial role in the strategic governance of Education Scotland. As a member of the Advisory Board, NEBMs offer leadership, direction and guidance to the organisation, supporting the Agency to deliver their corporate objectives and ensuring that it runs efficiently.

As part of the Audit and Risk Committee, NEBMs provide robust constructive challenge and scrutiny to support the Chief Executive in her role as Accountable Officer. This includes reviewing the effectiveness of internal control, risk management arrangements, financial information, and the integrity and independent audit of the Annual Report and Accounts.

As at 1 October 2025 our Non-Executive Board Members are:

David Gemmell

David Gemmell BSc (Hons) is a Change Director with over 20 years experience working across public and private sector industries. His roles have spanned, business and technology change with some of the UKs best known corporations.

David spent some time teaching in Malawi prior to commencing his career in change delivery.

He has also been actively involved with the Boys' Brigade movement in Scotland from boy to man including Captaining his local Company.

David Wallace

David is Chief Executive and Accountable Officer of Social Security Scotland. He is ultimately responsible for the delegation of responsibility within his organisation, and to Scottish Ministers for the leadership, direction and delivery of services by Social Security Scotland. As an Executive Agency, he ensures the need to align and contribute to the wider Scottish Government priorities, including how they lead in public sector reform. He is responsible for the budget and how it is invested – including signing off organisation wide staffing, recruitment and accounts.

Due to the nonindependent nature of David’s substantive role within the Scottish Government, he serves as an Education Scotland Advisory Board Member only.

Prior to joining Social Security Scotland, David held service delivery leadership roles as Chief Executive of Disclosure Scotland, Chief Executive of Student Awards Agency Scotland and Deputy Chief Executive of Accountant in Bankruptcy. These roles followed a long career in the Scottish Government in various policy posts, including a delivery role with the then Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.

George Docherty

George is currently Headteacher of Marr College in South Ayrshire, having taken up the post in 2018.

He began his career in 1999 as a Teacher of Design and Technology and progressed to Principal Teacher of Guidance at Prestwick Academy. A further 14 years as Depute Head Teacher strengthened his commitment to improving outcomes for all learners.

Passionate about education and lifelong learning, he holds an MSc in Educational Leadership from the University of Stirling and currently serves as a Professional Verifier for their Into Headship programme. George is also an Associate Assessor with His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education.

Sam Anson

Sam has over 20 years of experience in public service, with a proven track record of leading large-scale, transformative initiatives across national and local government. With a particular emphasis on education and economic policy, Sam's expertise spans strategic leadership, corporate governance, and financial management.

As the Executive Director of Education at North Ayrshire Council, Sam is responsible for the strategic direction of an educational service that supports over 17,000 learners across 59 schools and 42 ELC settings, with a core mission of ensuring all children and young people have the best start in life. He also leads the Council’s strategic priority of transitioning to a wellbeing economy, including cross-service policy design and performance monitoring.

Prior to this Sam’s work with the Scottish Government highlighted his skill in leading complex, multi-agency initiatives. This included overseeing the £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme and the £1 billion Scottish Attainment Challenge to improve outcomes for children and young people, as well as spearheading the education sector's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.