The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) has confirmed the appointment of its Chief Executive Officer and Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) announces new permanent CEO.

Office for Environmental Protection (OEP)

Natalie Prosser, who has been in the role on an interim basis since February 2021, has been announced as the successful applicant for the permanent position at the OEP. Natalie is a solicitor by background, with fifteen years in government, specialising in public and regulatory law, regulatory operations and governance. Her previous roles have included General Counsel at the Gambling Commission, Director of Operations, Vocational and Technical Qualifications and Director of Legal at Ofqual and regulatory and policy lead on the independent Farm Inspection and Regulation Review.

The OEP is a new public body with a mission to protect and improve the environment by holding government and other public authorities to account. Their work covers England and Northern Ireland and reserved matters across the UK.

The news release from the OEP can be read here.

Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS)

Mark Roberts has been appointed as the new permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS). Mark is currently an Audit Director in Audit Scotland. He has previously worked at the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).

Speaking about his appointment, Mark Roberts said: “I’m very pleased to be joining Environmental Standards Scotland. ESS has an important part to play in ensuring that Scotland’s environmental laws work effectively. I look forward to building on all the work done to date and making ESS a strong part of Scotland’s environmental governance.”

About Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS): Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, ESS is responsible for ensuring Scotland’s public authorities, including government and its agencies, are compliant with environmental law. ESS is independent of Scottish Government, but accountable to the Scottish Parliament.

The news release from ESS can be found here.