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Appointment of the Chair to Bòrd na Gàidhlig
Closing date for applications: Friday, 12 April 2019
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Cabinet Secretary for Education and SkillsJohn Swinney MSP
Dear Applicant
Thank you very much for your interest in the appointment of Chair to Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
It is an exciting and challenging time to be involved in the promotion of Gaelic in Scotland and more specifically in the work of Bòrd na Gàidhlig. Following the departure of Allan MacDonald, who has taken up a new role as the Chair of MG ALBA, the Bòrd is now looking for a new Chair to provide strategic leadership and to make further progress with the many opportunities for Gaelic.
If you have a strong commitment to support Gaelic, excellent Gaelic language skills, you believe you have the necessary background and experience and would welcome this challenge then you should seriously think about applying for this post.
We are looking for someone who has a good understanding of the current needs of Gaelic in Scotland and an awareness of the key sectors where progress can be made with Gaelic in Scotland over the coming years. Additionally, if you believe you have the skills and commitment to help deliver on the commitments in the National Plan for Gaelic then we would welcome your application.
In this pack we hope to give you all the information you need to help you decide if this is the role for you and how to apply. More resources for potential applicants are also available online: www.appointed-for-scotland.org/How-to-apply.
If you would like to find out more about Bòrd na Gàidhlig before you apply, can I encourage you to visit their website: www.gaidhlig.scot/. If you would find it helpful to speak to Allan MacDonald, the former Chair at Bòrd na Gàidhlig, please contact him at [email protected]. Alternatively you can contact Douglas Ansdell in the Scottish Government’s Gaelic Team by calling 0131 244 0336; or by emailing [email protected] to find out more about the application process.
I do hope that you will seriously consider applying for the role of Chair. The closing date is midnight on Friday, 12 April 2019 and I wish you every success with your application.
John Swinney MSPCabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
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Bòrd na GàidhligAppointment of Cathraiche (Chair)
Contents Page
Applying
Welcome letterInformation about Bòrd na GàidhligRole DescriptionPerson SpecificationNationality/DisqualificationsHow to applySelection PanelKey datesValuing diversityExpenses for attending interviews
244
5-68999
1112
Ethical StandardsThe Principles of Public LifeThe ‘Fit and Proper Person’ TestAbout the Commissioner and these regulated appointmentsConflicts of Interest
1414-15
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AppointmentWhat happens if you are appointedComplaintsThe Commissioners leaflet
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Bòrd na GàidhligAppointment of Cathraiche (Chair)
Appointment
Ministers are seeking to appoint a new Cathraiche to the Bòrd who has a strong commitment to support Gaelic, excellent Gaelic language skills, a good understanding of the current needs of Gaelic in Scotland and an awareness of the key sectors where progress can be made with Gaelic in Scotland over the coming years.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig
Bòrd na Gàidhlig is an executive Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) whose board is appointed by, and accountable to Scottish Ministers. The Interim Cathraiche (Chair) of the Bòrd is Mairi MacInnes. Under the terms of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 the Bòrd is to consist of no fewer than five, nor more than 11, ordinary members, and a Cathraiche (chair). At present the Bòrd comprises nine ordinary members plus the Chair. The Ceannard (Chief Executive) is Shona MacLennan.
The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 established Bòrd na Gàidhlig as the national body responsible for promoting Gaelic language, culture and education in Scotland. Its statutory duties include the delivery of a National Plan for Gaelic and working with public bodies on the development of Gaelic Language Plans. Bòrd na Gàidhlig is based in Inverness. In the financial year 2018-19 it managed grant in aid worth £5.154m. More information can be found on the Bòrd’s website at www.gaidhlig.org.uk
Role Description
Key Responsibilities of the Cathraiche
As its most senior advocate, to represent BnG and its statutory role in delivering Scottish Ministers’ policy aims for Gaelic at a national, UK and international level.
To be directly accountable for the delivery of the outcomes Scottish Ministers require from Bòrd na Gàidhlig, and maintain strong working relationships with Ministers given Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s role as the principal adviser to Government on Gaelic.
To lead the Bòrd, ensuring strong corporate governance and clear corporate direction for Bòrd na Gàidhlig and its staff.
To provide senior guidance and support to the Chief Executive and BnG Management Team in delivering the outcomes required of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, within a culture of excellence, continuous improvement and value for public money.
To provide senior support and guidance to the Chief Executive on his/her continuing professional development.
To build and maintain strong working relationships with Gaelic organisations, the wider Gaelic community and a wide range of other organisations to achieve strong joint working in delivering National Plan objectives.
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Bòrd na GàidhligAppointment of Cathraiche (Chair)
Person Specification
The candidate will be expected to demonstrate that they possess and have operated with the following skills and experience. Applicants will be assessed against all seven criteria across the assessment process.
Experience/skill What does this mean How will this be tested
1. A strong commitment to Gaelic understanding and experience of issues and challenges facing the Gaelic language;
ability to demonstrate commitment to and vision for the Gaelic language.
This will be tested in the written application, tailored CV and at interview.
2. Excellent Gaelic language skills.
ability to communicate effectively in Gaelic. This will be tested at interview and the paper exercise.
3. Operating with good governance and clear accountability.
ability to demonstrate direct involvement in implementation of good governance principles;
demonstrate effective performance management in delivering the board’s outcomes;
an understanding of audit and risk management and be able to demonstrate effective practical application of that understanding.
This will be tested in the tailored CV, at interview, presentation and the paper exercise.
4. Building and maintaining good relationships
ability to build relationships with both non-executive, executive colleagues and external interests;
evidence of working with different organisations and stakeholders to deliver objectives;
influencing colleagues to help reach consensus in an impartial and objective manner.
This will be tested in the written application, tailored CV and at interview.
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Bòrd na GàidhligAppointment of Cathraiche (Chair)
Experience/skill What does this mean How will this be tested
5. Demonstrating sound judgement
ability to analyse information, to challenge constructively, to demonstrate sound judgement in decision making,
understands the wider strategic environment and takes account of this when making decisions,
comfortable in making reasoned judgements where extensive evidence might not be available.
This will be tested at interview, presentation and paper exercise.
6. Strong leadership ability to demonstrate strong corporate leadership skills, to ensure strong corporate governance,
provides clear focus in ensuring that the body/organisation achieves its objectives,
committed to equality of opportunity and to developing and maintaining a diverse board.
This will be tested in the written application, tailored CV and at interview.
7. Excellent communication skills ability to inspire others and gain respect, experience of chairing boards or meetings at a senior
level, evidence of effectively representing/promoting the
organisation to a wide range of stakeholders, including politicians and the media – being an ambassador.
This will be tested in the written application and at interview.
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Bòrd na GàidhligAppointment of Cathraiche (Chair)
Term of Appointment
This appointment will be for up to four years. On the expiry of the appointment, the successful candidate is eligible for reappointment for a further four years subject to evidence of effective performance, satisfying the requirements of the person specification for the role at the time of reappointment; and Ministerial approval. The combined length of an appointment cannot exceed eight years
Remuneration
Current annual remuneration is £13,293 per annum and is subject to annual review. Travel and subsistence costs directly associated with the work of the Bòrd and reasonable dependent carer allowance will be reimbursed.
No payment can be made in respect of expenses incurred in taking up the appointment or on the termination of appointment. The appointment is non-pensionable.
Time Commitment
The appointment is part-time and the Chair is expected to give a minimum time commitment of four days per month.
Termination of Appointment
The appointment may be terminated prior to expiry of the period of appointment. The appointment is held at the discretion of Scottish Ministers and may, therefore, be terminated at any time if Scottish Ministers decide. The successful candidate is entitled to resign their membership of the Board by giving notice in writing. On the expiry of a first term of office, the successful candidate is eligible for reappointment subject to evidence of effective performance and to satisfying the requirements of the person specification for the role at the time of re-appointment. The Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies in Scotland can be viewed at www.publicappointments.org/regulating-appointments/code-of-practice/
Political Activities
All Trustees are required to declare any political activities and affiliations to Scottish Ministers as part of the overall appointments process.
This information is gathered in order to comply with section G1 of the Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies in Scotland, published October 2013 by the Ethical Standards Commissioner, and is collected under the provisions of GDPR Article 6 (1) (e) and in compliance with GDPR Article 9 (2) (g).
Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016
Appointees should be aware of the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. For more information see www.lobbying.scot.
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Bòrd na GàidhligAppointment of Cathraiche (Chair)
Performance Management
Your performance will be appraised by the Scottish Government Director of Learning against your objectives and also the extent to which you contribute to ensuring that the Board as a whole delivers its functions effectively and efficiently.
The Deputy Director (SCS Civil Servant) will arrange an annual appraisal interview with you to discuss and review your performance. A short annual appraisal of your performance will be prepared and signed by the Director, and you will have the opportunity to comment on and sign it.
Location of Meetings
Bòrd meetings are currently held at the Bòrd na Gàidhlig offices in Inverness, although travel to a range of events and meetings across the country will be required.
Standards of Conduct
Board Members are required to observe the provisions of the Government’s Code of Best Practice for Board Members of Public Bodies and to adhere to the principles laid down by the Committee on Standards in Public Life. In particular, Board Members must at all times:-
observe the highest standards of propriety involving impartially, integrity and objectivity; maximise value for money; be accountable, and act in accordance with Government policies on transparency and openness.
The link to the Bòrd na Gàidhlig code of conduct can be found here - www.gaidhlig.scot/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Code-of-Conduct-for-Members-of-Bòrd-na-Gàidhlig.pdf
Confidentiality
During and after the termination of the successful candidate’s appointment, he or she will be subject to an obligation of confidentially in relation to any information of a confidential nature which has come to the successful candidate’s knowledge in the course of their appointment with and related to their activities as a Board Member.
Nationality/Disqualifications
If you are a non-British national you can apply for, and be appointed to, the boards of Public Bodies. However, you must be legally entitled to work in the UK.
Further information
On Board: A Guide for Board Members of Public Services in Scotland provides a comprehensive standard induction pack covering generic issues such as roles and responsibilities of public bodies, and accountability and governance arrangements to supplement tailored induction and training. This can be found on the Scottish Government website at: www.gov.scot/publications/board-guide-members-statutory-boards/pages/27/
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Bòrd na GàidhligAppointment of Cathraiche (Chair)
Further information about duties and functions of Bòrd na Gàidhlig can also be found at www.gaidhlig.org.uk or by contacting Douglas Ansdell at the Scottish Government on 0131 244 0336 or [email protected].
Application and Assessment
Key dates
What happens When
Date appointment publicised 1 March 2019Closing date for completed applications 12 April 2019Date of shortlisting meeting to select applicants for next stage 18 April 2019Date outcome of shortlisting meeting will be relayed to applicants w/c 22 April 2019
Date for interviews 7 May 2019Date by which the Minister will decide whom to appoint w/c 27 May 2019Date by which applicants will be informed of the Minister’s decision
w/c 3 June 2019
Start date 1 July 2019
Selection Panel
The Selection Panel will comprise:
Lesley Sheppard, Deputy Director, Scottish Government; Fiona Dunn, Bòrd na Gàidhlig; Donald Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, MG ALBA, and Professor Kay Hampton, Public Appointments Adviser, Ethical Standards Commissioner.
To make sure that the process is transparent and the appointment is made on merit, the selection panel will declare if they know anyone who has applied for these appointments.
Guidance for completing your application
Please apply online through our dedicated public appointments website: www.appointed-for-scotland.org/. If you experience any difficulties accessing our website, or in the event that you require a word version of the application form, please contact the Public Appointments Team on (Freephone) 0300 244 1898, by email at [email protected].
Further information and examples on completing a competency based application form can be found in the hints and tips section of the Appointed for Scotland website www.appointed-for-scotland.org/how-to-apply/competency-based-applications/
You will need to complete and submit your application and tailored CV on or before the closing date of Friday, 12 April 2019.
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Bòrd na GàidhligAppointment of Cathraiche (Chair)
Application
Your application is very important as it is the key document which will determine whether or not you will proceed through to the final assessment stage and ultimately to appointment. You must, therefore, demonstrate clearly the evidence required.
You should provide clear and succinct information about yourself and how you meet the criteria that are being tested at this application stage. When being asked to demonstrate a skill, you should give specific examples which best demonstrate to the selection panel what it is you did, the reasons for your actions, the skills you used and what specifically about your approach affected the outcome. When being asked to demonstrate knowledge, understanding or experience, you should describe how you gained this, the breadth and depth of this knowledge, understanding or experience and any situations where you have used this.
There are three sections to the application form: application; declaration; equalities monitoring form.
The application form seeks evidence about the essential experience, knowledge and expertise and the skills required for the role. You should provide clear and succinct evidence about how you have demonstrated the criteria that are being sought during your career and/or from your personal experiences. If providing examples, you should choose the ones which best demonstrate to the selection panel what it is you did and what specifically about your approach affected the outcome. The selection panel will not make assumptions about your examples so it is important you take the time to ensure that the information you are providing in respect of your application fully demonstrates how you meet the priority criteria. You may be asked to expand on your answers if you are shortlisted for the final assessment stage so it is a good idea to retain a copy of your application form.
Declaration
The application form also has a declaration statement, and by virtue of submitting your application, you are declaring the information you have provided is true and complete. Further information is also in the Fit and Proper Person Test section on pages 14-15.
Equalities Monitoring Form
The Scottish Government is committed to appointment on merit, and is committed to improving the diversity of public appointments. The Equalities Monitoring information is not provided to the selection panel.
The information gathered from equalities monitoring is very important and helps to determine public policy in how we embed a culture of equality and diversity, ensuring that everyone is treated fairly, without discrimination because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. All questions are optional. You are not obliged to answer any of these questions but the more information you supply, the more effective our policy development will be.
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Bòrd na GàidhligAppointment of Cathraiche (Chair)
All information supplied will be non-attributable, completely anonymous and will be treated in the strictest confidence, in line with the principles of GDPR Article 9 (2) (b). It will not be placed on your personal file.
Valuing Diversity
The Scottish Ministers are committed to diversity and equality. We value very highly the benefits of having different points of view and experiences on our Board. Accordingly, we hope to receive applications from a wide range of talented people irrespective of their religion or belief, gender, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, political belief, relationship status or caring responsibilities.
Accessibility to public appointments is a fundamental requirement and the public appointments process promotes, demonstrates and upholds equality of opportunity for all applicants. The Scottish Government will always give consideration to disability-related reasonable adjustments that an applicant might request to enable them to demonstrate their merit and participate fully in the selection process. If you require any of the application pack documentation in an alternative format, please contact Public Appointments Team on (Freephone) 0300 244 1898 or at [email protected].
Scottish Ministers particularly welcome applications from groups currently under-represented on Scotland’s public bodies, such as women, disabled people, ethnic minorities and people aged under 50. Please do complete our monitoring form when you apply as this helps us to ensure that the appointments process is accessible to everyone.
Applicants who are not shortlisted for interview will be advised of the outcome of their applications in writing.
Conflict of Interest and Other Ministerial Public Appointments Held
You are asked to complete the section in the application which provides details of any other involvement in public life or potential conflicts of interest, which will be explored further with you at interview or checked as part of the final assessment. Conflicts may relate to your suitability for appointment or to the appropriateness of you being assessed by one or more of the selection panel members.
Where an applicant and a selection panel member have a relationship that means it may be inappropriate for the panel member to assess the applicant, the chair of the selection panel has to refer the matter to the Ethical Standards Commissioner. The Commissioner can decide that the selection panel member should not be involved in the assessment of the applicant concerned and may ask the member to take no further part in appointment process.
You will be asked in your application if and how you know any of the selection panel members. This will help us to come to a view on the appropriateness of your being assessed by one or more of them. More guidance on conflicts of interest relating to suitability for appointment can be obtained by visiting the Commissioner’s website at https://www.ethicalstandards.org.uk/publication/conflict-interest-leaflet .
If you want to know if you have a conflict that would bar you from before you apply, then you should contact Douglas Ansdell in the Scottish Government’s Gaelic Team by calling 0131 244 0336; or by emailing [email protected] to discuss your concerns.
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Bòrd na GàidhligAppointment of Cathraiche (Chair)
Assessment for this Appointment
Assessment will happen in two stages. Firstly the selection panel will assess your written application which will cover the three specific criteria. Then applicants who most closely meet the requirements will be invited to attend the final stage of assessment to test all of the required criteria. This will involve an interview, a short presentation and a paper exercise.
The first part of the interview process will involve a five minute presentation to the selection panel on (subject to be decided). The applicant will be provided with this information prior to the date of their interview. Thereafter, the selection panel will then ask questions on the issues raised in the presentation. No facilities (PowerPoint etc) will be made available.
During the interview, in order to test the oral fluency of the applicant, a question will be asked in Gaelic with the response to be in Gaelic. Applicants will not be advised of the specific question, in advance of their interview.
Applicants will also receive advance sight of a Board paper in Gaelic that they will be expected to provide a verbal response to in English, on the day of the interview, and will be given 30 minutes to prepare this. The Panel will then ask applicants questions to assess the applicants understanding and judgement.
The information pack sets out the essential skills and knowledge required for this post and in the final part of the interview, the panel will wish to discuss those with the candidate in more detail through a series of competency-based questions.
More information on assessment methods is available from this hyperlink: https://www.ethicalstandards.org.uk/how-apply
If invited for interview and you have a disability and require an adjustment to be made, you should contact the Public Appointments Team on (Freephone) 0300 244 1898 or at [email protected]. They will make reasonable adjustments to enable you to attend the interview.
For candidates being recommended for appointment, the selection panel will provide the relevant Minister with a summary of the evidence gathered during the process. Ministers can choose to meet those applicants prior to making a decision.
Expenses for attending interviews
If you are invited for interview you can claim for reasonable expenses incurred in attending. These include dependent/carer, including childcare, expenses. We expect the most efficient and economic means of travel to be used and reimbursement will normally be restricted to that amount. When an overnight stay is necessary, you must contact Public Appointments Team on (Freephone) 0300 244 1898 or at [email protected] in advance, for confirmation of current subsistence rates. A copy of our travel and subsistence rates and claim form can be provided to you on request. If invited for interview, the rates with a claim form will be included in the letter of invitation. Receipts must be provided in support of all claims.
Feedback
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Bòrd na GàidhligAppointment of Cathraiche (Chair)
All candidates interviewed will be advised in writing of the outcome of the interview and feedback will be offered. Feedback will be based on: the assessment of your merit in relation to the skills, knowledge and experience required by
the person specification; and the outcome of the fit and proper person test where appropriate (see the section entitled
“Ethical Standards”).
What happens if you are appointed?
Should you be appointed, some of the information you have provided will be made public in a news release. This will include:
your name; a short description of Bòrd na Gàidhlig; a brief summary of the skills, knowledge and experience you bring to the role; how long you have been appointed for; any remuneration associated with the appointment; details of all other public appointments you hold and any related remuneration you
receive for them; details of any political activity declared by you; a statement that the appointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner
(the Commissioner).
Potential effect on benefits
Taking up a remunerated public appointment may affect any benefits you receive. This will depend on your individual circumstances so you should seek advice from the office that pays your benefit. Information can be found at www.gov.uk/browse/benefits.
Complaints
If you have concerns with the way in which this appointment round was conducted, please contact the Scottish Government Public Appointments Team on (Freephone) 0300 244 1898 or at [email protected] in the first instance to raise it with them. The Commissioner’s leaflet is included at the end of this pack and it provides more information on his regulatory role in relation to public appointments and about taking unresolved complaints further.
You can find out about our complaints procedure at www.appointed-for-scotland.org/complaints/ or you can email selection [email protected].
Ethical Standards
This appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner. If you have concerns about the way this appointment round was conducted, please contact Public Appointments Team at [email protected] in the first instance. The Commissioner’s leaflet is included at the end of this section and provides more information on his regulatory role in relation to public appointments, and about taking unresolved complaints further.
The Principles of Public Life in Scotland
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Bòrd na GàidhligAppointment of Cathraiche (Chair)
If you want to be appointed to roles in public life, you have to pass a Fit and Proper Person test which is described in more detail below. Part of the test involves agreeing to apply the Principles of Public Life in Scotland if you’re appointed:
Duty You have a duty to uphold the law and act in accordance with the law and the public trust placed in you. You have a duty to act in the interests of the public body of which you are a member and in accordance with the core tasks of that body.
Selflessness You have a duty to take decisions solely in terms of public interest. You must not act in order to gain financial or other material benefit for yourself, family or friends.
Integrity You must not place yourself under any financial, or other, obligation to any individual or organisation that might reasonably be thought to influence you in the performance of your duties.
Objectivity You must make decisions solely on merit when carrying out public business including making appointments, awarding contracts or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits.
Accountability and Stewardship You are accountable for your decisions and actions to the public. You have a duty to consider issues on their merits, taking account of the views of others and must ensure that the public body uses its resources prudently and in accordance with the law.
Openness You have a duty to be as open as possible about your decisions and actions, giving reasons for your decisions and restricting information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
Honesty You have a duty to act honestly. You must declare any private interests relating to your public duties and take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
Leadership You have a duty to promote and support these principles by leadership and example, to maintain and strengthen the public’s trust and confidence in the integrity of the public body and its members in conducting public business.
Respect You must respect fellow members of your public body and employees of the body and the role they play, treating them with courtesy at all times. Similarly you must respect members of the public when performing duties as a member of your public body.
The ‘Fit and Proper Person’ Test
Scottish Ministers and the public must feel confident that people to be appointed to the Boards of public bodies are fit and proper persons to take up these positions.
In the context of public appointments a Fit and Proper Person is an individual who is suitable for appointment because they meet the requirements of the role, and their past or present activities (and/or behaviours) mean that they are suitable to be appointed.
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Bòrd na GàidhligAppointment of Cathraiche (Chair)
The fit and proper person test is an on-going process with checks built into different stages of the appointment round. These are designed to collect the necessary information and evidence. For these appointments, the checks in place for the fit and proper person tests are:
Verification of relevant information provided by the applicant We will test the evidence you provide in your application in relation to the skills,
knowledge and experience required for the position, and further probe your evidence at interview if you’re invited.
Ensuring that the applicant’s conduct to date has been compatible with the public appointment in question
We will confirm that you understand: the work of the body, the nature of the appointment and that you’re not aware of having committed any offence, or performed any act, that’s incompatible with the position that you’re applying for. We will do this using the declaration statement on the application form.
Determining that the applicant’s appointment is not barred by reference to the constitution of the body concerned by way of, for example, criminal offences or other relevant matters
Information on disqualifications is provided in the application pack material and you are asked to review this prior to submitting your application. We will confirm that you are not disqualified from taking up the role using the declaration statement on the application form.
By submitting your completed application you’re declaring that the information provided is, to the best of your knowledge and belief, true and complete.
Confirmation that the applicant has no inappropriate or unmanageable conflicts of interest incompatible with their appointment
You’re asked in your application to complete questions about potential conflicts of interest.
If you’re invited for interview, further assessment will be through questioning that you understand what is meant by a conflict of interest. We’ll ask you to confirm that, to the best of your knowledge, you don’t have any conflicts of interest that are incompatible/unmanageable. We’ll ask for additional information if you’ve declared a conflict of interest in your initial application.
As part of the Commissioner’s Code, you’ll also be asked at the application stage to declare if you’ve had any political activity in the past five years.
Ensuring that the applicant agrees to apply the Principles of Public Life in Scotland and be bound by the members’ code of conduct
As highlighted above, you are expected to be bound by the Members Code of Conduct and to apply the Principles of Public Life in Scotland if appointed. If you are invited to interview you will be asked to confirm your understanding of, and agreement to, the application of these principles.
Establishing that the individual is able to meet the time commitment required The time commitment involved for the role is given in the pack. If you are invited to
interview you will be asked to confirm that you can meet this commitment.
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Who We Are
This leaflet is about the work of the Ethical Standards Commissioner, as it relates to public appointments, and the Commissioner’s office. The Commissioner regulates appointments to the boards of many of Scotland’s public bodies. The Commissioner is wholly independent of the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government.
What We Do
Every one of us living in Scotland benefits from the essential services provided by our public bodies. Their boards play a vital role in guiding and shaping these services. Our job is to oversee appointments to these boards to help ensure that the people who serve on them are appointed on merit, using methods that are fair and open. That oversight is usually provided by one of the Commissioner’s Public Appointments Advisers. Whilst we regulate the process used to make appointments, it is run by civil servants on behalf of the Scottish Ministers. Our website has a list of the bodies that we regulate and also has useful information on applying for a public appointment.
This leaflet is sent to everyone who applies for a regulated public appointment in Scotland so that they know that the process is regulated and what to do if things go wrong.
Making a complaint about a public appointment
Anyone who believes that an appointment has not been made appropriately or who has concerns about the appointment process itself can make a complaint.
If you have a complaint about a public appointment you first have to complain to the Scottish Government and give its officials a chance to respond. If you are unhappy with the Scottish Government’s response to your complaint you can then ask the Commissioner to investigate the matter for you.
If you are in any doubt about whether we can deal with your complaint, or if you want advice before raising a formal complaint, please contact us using the details provided below. You can read in more detail about the way in which we deal with complaints by downloading our complaints leaflet from our website. We can send you the leaflet in another format if you would prefer.
Our website also tells you what to do if you want to make a complaint.
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Ethical Standards CommissionerThistle House E: [email protected] 91 Haymarket Terrace T: 0300 011 0550EdinburghEH12 5HE
Public Appointments
Please contact us to find out more about this and other public appointments.
Public AppointmentsScottish GovernmentArea 3F (North)Victoria QuayEdinburgh EH6 6QQ
www.appointed-for-scotland.orgpa_applications_mailbox@gov.scotFreephone: 0300 244 1898
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