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  Member Appointments to the Poverty and Inequality Commission   The Scottish Government aims to build a fairer and more equal Scotland, where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and reach their potential. In achieving this, it is vital that we remove the barriers standing in people’s way, none more so than those faced by people living in poverty. With the cost of living crisis continuing to put additional pressure on household budgets, it is crucial that we do everything that we can to focus our resources where they matter most, and help those most in need. This is why tackling poverty and protecting people from harm is one of three critical and interdependent missions for the Scottish Government, alongside our focus on the economy and strengthening public services.   The Poverty and Inequality Commission (the Commission) plays an important role in this by providing independent expert advice to Scottish Ministers on how to reduce poverty and inequality.   Scottish Ministers wish to appoint up to eight new members, known as Commisioners, to the Commission. This offers an exciting opportunity to anyone who is interested in becoming personally involved in driving change to help tackle inequalities and make a lasting difference to the lives of people and communities across Scotland.   About the Poverty and Inequality Commission   The Commission was established in 2019 as an independent advisory non-departmental public body.   The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017 sets out the Poverty and Inequality Commission’s legal functions, which are to provide independent advice to Scottish Ministers on poverty and inequality and monitor progress and propose solutions to reduce poverty and inequality in Scotland.   More detail on the work of the Commission is included in the Applicant Information Pack and on its website.   Role of a Commissioner Commissioners are appointed by Scottish Ministers, with appointments approved by the Scottish Parliament. They, along with the Chair, ensure that the Commission carries out its statutory functions as set out in the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017.    In doing so, Commissioners work together to develop advice for Scottish Ministers on the steps that could be taken to reduce poverty and inequality in Scotland and monitor the progress being made in this area.   This is achieved by Commissioners gathering and analysing evidence from a number of sources, including research and personal testimonies, to identify and understand the issues affecting people, the structural inequalities driving poverty, and the impact of policies and the funding in place. This evidence is used by Commissioners to identify options to explore and develop into deliverable solutions that can be adopted by the Commission and provided as advice to Ministers on steps that could be taken to address poverty and inequality.   Commissioners also work closely with the Commission’s Experts by Experience Panel in developing its advice and completing scrutiny against targets.   Working with the Chair, Commissioners also develop the Commission’s Strategic Plan, setting out its vision and priorities. They also contribute to governance documents such as the work plan and annual report and adhere to the Commission’s Code of Conduct.   On occasions Commissioners lead and oversee Working Groups on specific areas of interest to the Commission. They may also represent the views of the Commission by speaking at public events and meetings.   Further detail on the Commissioner’s role can be found in the Applicant Information Pack.

  Chair to the Poverty and Inequality Commission   The Scottish Government aims to build a fairer and more equal Scotland, where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and reach their potential. In achieving this, it is vital that we remove the barriers standing in people’s way, none more so than those faced by people living in poverty. With the cost of living crisis continuing to put additional pressure on household budgets, it is crucial that we do everything that we can to focus our resources where they matter most, and help those most in need. This is why tackling poverty and protecting people from harm is one of three critical and interdependent missions for the Scottish Government, alongside our focus on the economy and strengthening public services.   The Poverty and Inequality Commission (the Commission) plays an important role in this by providing independent expert advice to Scottish Ministers on how to reduce poverty and inequality.   Scottish Ministers wish to appoint a Chair to lead the Commission, to make sure it provides a strong independent voiceto positively inform and shape our approach to tackling poverty and inequality in Scotland.   This appointment therefore, offers an exciting opportunity to anyone who is interested in leading a high profile public body and driving change to help tackle poverty and inequalities, making a lasting difference to the lives of people and communities across Scotland.   About the Poverty and Inequality Commission   The Commission was established in 2019 as an independent advisory non-departmental public body.   The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017 sets out the Commission’s legal functions, which are to provide independent advice to Scottish Ministers on poverty and inequality and monitor progress and propose solutions to reduce poverty and inequality in Scotland.   More detail on the work of the Commission is included in the Applicant Information Pack and on its website.   Role of the Chair The Commission’s Chair is appointed by the Scottish Ministers, with the appointment approved by the Scottish Parliament. The Chair ensures that the Commission carries out its statutory functions as set out in the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017.    In doing so, the Chair leads the Commission, overseeing its running, governance, adherence to the Commission’s Code of Conduct and the development of the Commission’s strategic documents, to set its vision and priorities. To ensure the Commission runs effectively, the Chair provides leadership, ensures positive relationships are built and that the strengths of Commissioners and the lived experience of the Commission’s Experts by Experience Panel, are all drawn upon, to provide the best quality advice to Ministers.   Working with a range of external stakeholders to influence thinking and reach informed positions, the role of the Chair is key in building and maintaining effective networks and partnerships with external stakeholders to establish the Commission as an authoritative voice on poverty and inequality in Scotland.   As the public face of the Commission the Chair is also often called upon to speak at public events, including giving evidence to the relevant Scottish Parliament Committee(s), and undertake media work as needed to promote the Commission’s work.   The Chair reports directly to the Chief Social Policy Adviser in the Scottish Government.   Further detail on the Chair’s role can be found in the Applicant Information Pack.

  APPOINTMENTS OF A LEGAL MEMBER (CIVIL: FACULTY OF ADVOCATES), A LEGAL MEMBER (LAW SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND) AND A NON LEGAL MEMBER TO THE SCOTTISH LEGAL AID BOARD   The Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) was set up in 1987 to manage legal aid in Scotland and is a non-departmental public body responsible to the Scottish Government. Legal aid allows people who would otherwise not be able to afford it, to get help for their legal problems.   The role of the Legal Member (Civil: Faculty of Advocates)   The Legal Aid (Scotland) Act requires that the membership of the Board includes two members of the Faculty of Advocates. In practice, one such member is required to have experience in civil law. This ensures that the Board has the benefit of  an appropriately experienced advocate’s specialist knowledge, professional perspective and technical insight to contribute to its role of overseeing SLAB’s performance and strategic development.   The role of the Legal Member (Law Society of Scotland)   The Legal Aid (Scotland) Act requires that the membership of the Board includes at least two members of the Law Society of Scotland. In practice, one such member is required to have experience of civil law. This ensures that the Board has the benefit of an appropriately experienced solicitor’s specialist knowledge, professional perspective and technical insight to contribute to its role of overseeing SLAB’s performance and strategic development.   The role of the Non Legal Member   Members from a range of communities and with backgrounds in business, the third sector and public service are essential to give the Board a wide and balanced variety of knowledge, skills and experience. This ensures that the Board has the benefit of a breadth of perspectives and insight to contribute to its role of overseeing SLAB’s performance and strategic development.   Remuneration and time commitment   Remuneration is £240.84 per day for a time commitment of 3.5 days per month (to a maximum of 42 days per year which includes reading time).  Reasonable expenses incurred will be reimbursed.  The role is non-pensionable.   Term of appointment   The appointment will be for a period between 3 and 5 years.    Further information about the Board, its structure, mission, vision and strategic objectives can be viewed here: https://www.slab.org.uk/corporate-information/what-we-do/  

  APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR TO THE SCOTTISH LEGAL AID BOARD   The Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) was set up in 1987 to manage legal aid in Scotland and is a non-departmental public body responsible to the Scottish Government. Legal aid allows people who would otherwise not be able to afford it, to get help for their legal problems.   The role of the Board Chair   The Chair is accountable to the Scottish Ministers and may be held to account by the Scottish Parliament. The Chair is also responsible for ensuring that SLAB’s policies and actions support the Scottish Ministers’ wider strategic policies and that the organisation’s affairs are conducted with probity.   In leading the Board, the Chair must ensure that its work is subject to regular self-assessment and that the board is working effectively. The Chair must ensure that the Board has a balance of skills appropriate to directing SLAB business, and is diverse both in terms of relevant skills, experience and knowledge and in terms of protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.   The role of the Chair is not restrictive and can be filled by either a legal or non-legal member.   Remuneration and time commitment   Remuneration is £338.60 per day for a time commitment of up to 2 days per week (to a maximum of 104 days per year which includes reading time).  Reasonable expenses incurred will be reimbursed.  The role is non-pensionable.   Term of appointment   The appointment will be for a period between 3 and 5 years.    Further information about the Board, its structure, mission, vision and strategic objectives can be viewed here: https://www.slab.org.uk/corporate-information/what-we-do/  

    Appointment of Chair to the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT)   SFT is the Scottish Government’s centre of expertise for infrastructure. A new chair is sought with senior level experience of financing and of chairing a board or committee.   SFT’s corporate plan sets out its purpose as ‘to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of infrastructure investment and use in Scotland by working collaboratively with public bodies and industry, leading to better value for money and providing the opportunity to maximise the investment in the fabric of Scotland’.  The role of the Board is to provide leadership, direction, support and guidance to ensure SFT delivers its functions effectively and efficiently, and in accordance with the aims, policies and priorities of the Scottish Ministers.  It has responsibility, under the leadership of the chair, for:   - taking forward the strategic aims and objectives for the body, as agreed with Ministers during the corporate planning process, - promoting efficient, economic and effective use of staff and other resources, - ensuring effective arrangements are in place to provide assurance on risk management, governance and internal control, - reviewing financial information concerning the management and performance of the body and approving the annual accounts, and - appointing, and setting appropriate performance objectives for, SFT’s chief executive.   Please see the below video for more infomation about the role of Chair to Scottish Futures Trust -    Alyson Stafford Director General Scottish Exchequer - YouTube   Information session   An online information session on Monday 20 November 2023 will offer the opportunity to hear from DG Scottish Exchequer and the CEO of SFT about what SFT does, and the role the Chair plays in that.   Please email infrastructureinvestmentstrategy@gov.scot to register your interest in this event.   Remuneration and time commitment   The Chair of the Board receives a daily fee of £545.92 for up to three days per month (270 hours or 36 days in any financial year), up to a maximum total fee of £19,653.12 per financial year. Expenses incurred as a result of carrying out the duties of the appointment, including reasonable travel and subsistence costs, will be reimbursed. The appointment is non-pensionable.  

The Scottish Government is currently recruiting for two new Non-Executive Directors. This role is unlike any other non-executive position.   You will engage across the breadth of the most important contemporary issues facing Scotland. Your contribution will add value to the work of Scottish Government across the three missions of equality, opportunity and community; tackling poverty, building a fair, green and growing economy, and delivering efficient and effective public services. The role is different from acting as a Board member for a business or charity, where you are collectively accountable for the strategic decisions which govern the organisation; Scottish Government Non-Executive Directors provide challenge, advice and assurance to the Permanent Secretary and his team based on their experience and insight. They promote good governance and the improvement of performance, encouraging diverse and innovative ways of working, thinking and problem-solving, drawing on their unique perspectives. Scottish Government Non-Executive Directors need to take a whole system approach to their role, recognising that complex, dynamic issues require collaborative and innovative responses. They need to be comfortable challenging and being challenged, sharing their unique experiences and perspectives, and supporting others to do the same. By taking an open, values-based and constructive approach, you will win and maintain the confidence of senior leaders and in so doing, help make space for creative thinking, new ideas and effective challenge within the Scottish Government.    An applicant information pack is available at the following link and sets out further details of how to apply; NXD Appointment Round 2023 - applicant information pack   If the challenge of this role excites you and you think you have the integrity, skills and experience to fulfil it, please join us on either 16 November or 22 November for an online information session to hear from some of our current Non-Executive Directors. You will hear about their experiences in the role and have the opportunity to put your questions to them. The team who are supporting this recruitment will also be available via online chat to answer your questions on the application process.   Please get in touch or follow the links below to sign up;   15 November: Scottish Government Non-Executive Director Recruitment Event with CtC Tickets, Thu 16 Nov 2023 at 18:00 | Eventbrite   22 November: Shaping Scotland's Future as a Non-executive Director -22 Nov 2023 | Business Events | Institute of Directors (iod.com)