Commissioner appointment: Boundaries Scotland

APPOINTMENT OF A COMMISSIONER TO  BOUNDARIES SCOTLAND

Are you interested in the democratic process? Would you like to be involved in boundary reviews as a Commissioner for Boundaries Scotland over the next four years?

Boundaries Scotland is currently looking for a Commissioner.  The Commission is made up of a Chair, Deputy Chair and four Commissioners. If you are looking for an opportunity to help safeguard the fairness of democracy in Scotland then we would like to hear from you.

Boundaries Scotland is an independent Commission sponsored and funded by the Scottish Government. The Commission is responsible for carrying out reviews of constituencies and regions for the Scottish Parliament and reviewing the number of wards and councillors for local councils. To ensure fair representation of voters by Members of the Scottish Parliament and councillors, electoral boundaries require to be reviewed periodically as the number of people living in an area can change.

Applications are encouraged from people with an interest in Scotland’s democracy, geography, topography, demography and socio-economic characteristics. The role requires the ability to work within legislative frameworks to apply that knowledge in the  practical context of boundary reviews. The Commissioner will be responsible working on reviews of Scottish Parliament and local government boundaries.  Changes to boundaries are made through legislation and when reviews are completed  proposals are taken to the Scottish Parliament for approval.

The Commission would particularly welcome application from those with understanding of the law and legal processes, working knowledge and understanding of the Scottish local government and/or understanding of the Scottish political landscape.

You may be suited to be a Commissioner even if you have not had any previous involvement in boundaries.

Boundaries Scotland wants to be representative of the people of Scotland and welcome applications from women, LGBT+ people, young people, disabled people and those from minority ethnic communities. We also encourage candidates from a range of geographic regions in Scotland to apply.

The successful applicant must be able to demonstrate the following:

• understanding of the law and legal processes
• working knowledge and understanding of the Scottish local government
• understanding of the Scottish political landscape
• experience of strategic planning
• good communication skills
• good analytical skills.

Remuneration and time commitment

This appointment is part time and requires a commitment of up to 2 days per month to support Commission meetings.

The appointment is non-pensionable and attracts a fee of £219 for every day of not less than 7.5 hours on a pro rata basis. Reasonable travel, subsistence, childcare and dependant carer expenses incurred as a result of carrying out this role will be reimbursed.

TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE PLEASE FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS

1. Download the applicants pack:Information pack.
2. Click on the blue button that says ‘apply for this job online’link at the top right-hand side of this advert.
3. Complete the information required on the website which requires contact details, monitoring information and the declaration of interest.  
4. Download and complete this application form (word document): Application form.
5. Return the completed application form to: PA_Applications_Mailbox@gov.scotby 17:00 on Monday 9 October 2023.

If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the appointments process or if require further support with your application, please contact the Public Appointments Team on 0300 244 1898 or email at PA_Applications_Mailbox@gov.scot.

Deputy Chair role

Boundaries Scotland is also looking to appoint a Deputy Chair on a similar timetable as the Commissioner role. Applicants who may be interested in applying for both roles are encouraged to look at the information pack for the Deputy Chair role. Although you can only be appointed to one of the roles, simultaneous applications for both roles will be fully considered and without prejudice. Further information can be found here. 

FURTHER INFORMATION

• FAQ’s about the application process is here: Public Appointments - Frequently Asked Questions. 
• Guidance to support applicants for public appointments is here: Public appointments - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.