Andrew Burns appointed Deputy Chair of Accounts Commission

Andrew has extensive leadership and management experience across the private, public and voluntary sectors. He has served on the Commission since 2018, is a former Leader of City of Edinburgh Council and former Convener (Chair) of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), current Chair of the Edinburgh Union Canal Society, and is undertaking a part-time PhD at the University of Edinburgh Business School.

His appointment was confirmed by Joe FitzPatrick, Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, following nomination by the Chair of the Accounts Commission. The appointment will run until the end of Andrew’s current term as a Commission member on 31 July 2026.

Andrew Burns said:

It is a privilege to be appointed as deputy chair of the Accounts Commission. I've been a Commission member since 2018 and I very much look forward to supporting the Chair and members to further develop our work.

Our work, providing independent, public scrutiny across local government, supporting change and best practice, is increasingly valuable as the relationship between Scottish and local government continues to develop.

Jo Armstrong, Chair of the Accounts Commission said:

I’m delighted Andrew has been appointed as Deputy Chair and to be working alongside him. His significant experience of local government and knowledge of the third sector will be invaluable as he works to promote the values, work and purpose of the Commission.