Quality Scotland has announced that Sense Scotland chief executive and former Labour MSP Andy Kerr is to be its new chair, replacing Sir Andrew Cubie, who is standing down after 15 years in the post.

Kerr has lead the health charity Sense Scotland since stepping down as a Labour MSP, during which time he also served as Scottish health minister.

Under Sir Andrew’s chairmanship, Quality Scotland helped over 900 organisations in Scotland improve performance and achieve sustainable business excellence.

The work that Quality Scotland does is central to our growth as an economy and a nation

He said: “I am very proud of what we have achieved at Quality Scotland.

"With our dedicated team of 20 staff we have been at the forefront of helping Scottish business and other organisations in the public and third sectors improve in their performance, furthering our aim of making excellence a national characteristic of Scotland.”

Kerr, who was voted Scottish politician of the year in 2006 for his role in bringing in the smoking ban, described his new role as an “absolute privilege”.

He added: “It’s a big task but also an amazing opportunity to continue my personal quality journey and that of Scotland.

“The work that Quality Scotland does is central to our growth as an economy and a nation and I am delighted to take up the challenge of making excellence a national characteristic of Scotland.

“Succeeding Sir Andrew Cubie will not be easy but I look forward to working with Claire Ford, chief executive, the Quality Scotland board and staff to continue the pursuit of excellence.”

Claire Ford, the charity’s chief executive, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Andy Kerr, with his wide-ranging experience and passion for quality and excellence has agreed to become our new chair and we are looking forward to continuing to develop and increase the impact of Quality Scotland under his leadership.”