The Mental Welfare Commission has announced the appointment of Professor Jill Stavert to the newly created senior leadership position of Executive Director (Legal and Policy). Professor Stavert will commence her role on 16 November 2026.
Professor Stavert, an academic specialising in mental health, mental capacity, and human rights law in Scotland, brings extensive experience to the Commission. She is a qualified solicitor in England, Wales, and Scotland, and her work has significantly influenced mental health and capacity legislation, policy, and practice both domestically and internationally.
Previously, Professor Stavert was a Professor of Mental Health and Capacity Law at Edinburgh Napier University, where she founded and led research centres focused on mental health law and policy. She also served as an expert adviser to the Independent Review of Learning Disability and Autism in the Mental Health Act and was part of the executive team for the Scottish Mental Health Law Review.
“"I am delighted to welcome Professor Jill Stavert as our first executive director (legal and policy). This new senior role reflects the importance we place on getting mental health and incapacity laws right for the people we serve. Jill brings deep knowledge of mental health, mental capacity and human rights law, and direct experience of informing law and policy through the Scottish Mental Health Law Review. Her experiences and expertise will strengthen our work to protect the rights of people in Scotland who use mental health and incapacity services."
