New Deputy Chair of Independent Complaints Panel appointed 

The Portman Group has announced the appointment of David Macdonald as the new Deputy Chair of the Independent Complaints Panel (ICP), following six years as a serving member.

David, a former senior police officer in Scotland, has vast experience working to combat alcohol harm as well as extensive knowledge of the licensing industry which spans over three decades.

He takes over the role from Rachel Childs who was appointed Chair of the Panel in November 2023.

Currently, David is a senior officer within the Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) at Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership, supporting the co-ordination of health services across the city. His role encompasses close engagement with a wide cross-section of the community including individuals suffering alcohol and drug addiction issues, the recovery community as well as key stakeholders across the statutory and third sector delivering services.

His multi-faceted role includes the development of innovative programmes to prevent future drug deaths, overdoses and the harms associated with problematic drug and alcohol use, as well as responsibility for prevention and education resources for children and young people.

David also served over thirty years as an officer in Police Scotland, gaining significant experience in operational leadership at local and national levels and expertise in alcohol licensing. He was a pivotal member of the national licensing unit at the inception of Police Scotland, working on policy development and tackling high profile licensing issues across the country.

In 2019, David completed a Masters degree in Contemporary Drug and Alcohol Studies from the University of West of Scotland.

On top of this, David also serves on the Advisory Council of the Scottish Qualifications Authority and has been chair of the Parent Council of one of Scotland’s top secondary schools for the past four years.

The ICP is currently recruiting for two new members.

“I am thrilled to appoint David as Deputy Chair of the Independent Complaints Panel following six years as a serving member," said Childs.

“His commitment to tackling alcohol harm is incredibly impressive and I have absolutely no doubt his decades of knowledge and experience will prove invaluable in the role of Deputy Chair.”

David Macdonald said: “I am delighted to be appointed to the role of Deputy Chair of the Independent Complaints Panel (ICP), continuing to work with the ICP in support of the Codes of Practice and the alcohol industry’s complaints process. I am passionate about maintaining the independence and impartiality of the ICP, and I’m looking forward to supporting our newly appointed Chair, Rachel Childs, and the ever-evolving regulatory process.

“It’s vital that the ICP continues to uphold the protection of consumers and their families from irresponsible and inappropriate alcohol marketing and I thoroughly look forward to continuing working to deliver this for our communities.”