Ex-police chief to get £69k a year for ‘part-time’ health board role
NORTH Wales’ former top cop will earn £70,000 a year for a minimum of two weeks’ work every month in his new role as chairman of the health board.
Mark Polin, who retired from his £147,000-a-year chief constable post last week, will become chairman of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in September, beating four other candidates to the role.
A Freedom of Information request revealed that the post is “remunerated at £69,840, and the time commitment is a minimum of 15 days a month”.
Janet Finch-Saunders, who represents Aberconwy in the Welsh Assembly, said she was shocked to hear that a post requiring a minimum of 15 days a month carried such a salary.
“The fact that only five applicants came forward in itself may indicate that this troubled health board is considered not a good move as regards career prospects,” she said.
“The health board having been in special measures and Welsh Government intervention for the past three years has already cost our hard-working taxpayers an extra £10m. I am certain the patients who are still waiting for much-delayed hospital treatment and operations will not be reassured.”
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “The appointment of the new chair was undertaken under the public appointment process and the remuneration rate is at the same level as three other health boards in Wales.
“Mark Polin will bring clear direction and leadership and drive forward the improvements needed.”