Non-Executive Director – People
Organisation: Scottish Government
Closing Date: Friday 6th June 2025 – 23:55pm
Role summary
Scottish Government is at the centre of Scotland’s network of public services and institutions, working to make Scotland a more successful country and a better place to live. We are responsible for over £56 billion of expenditure each year and we are focused on delivering our four strategic priorities: eradicating child poverty; growing the economy; tackling the climate emergency; improving our public services.
Our team of Non-Executive Directors provides challenge, advice and assurance to the Permanent Secretary and leadership team based on their experience and insight. The role is different from acting as a Board member for a business or charity, in that our Non-Executive Directors are not responsible for – or directly involved in – decision-making. Rather, they promote outstanding governance and the continuous improvement of Scottish Government performance, encouraging diverse and innovative ways of working, thinking and problem solving, drawing on their unique perspectives.
For the Non-Executive Director (People) role, we are looking for an FCIPD-qualified, Board-level strategic HR leader who brings a successful track record of cultural and organisational transformation within an environment of at least 6,000 people. If you have developed a keen sense of governance excellence in a range of settings as an executive and non-executive leader, this role offers you a unique opportunity to adapt and flex your Board leadership style in a rapidly evolving, complex context, working with a talented NXD team and incoming Permanent Secretary, Joe Griffin.
Role criteria
Priority criteria:
- Work-related experience: Strategic Human Resources Leadership
General criteria:
- Experience in a governance role
- Constructive challenge, advice and influencing skills
- Understanding of diversity and equality as business-critical issues
- Commitment to the values of the Scottish Government
View the Candidate Pack for further information on the criteria for the role and how this will be assessed – this is available on the dedicated recruitment webpage at: www.gatenbysanderson.com/job/GSe122872
Remuneration and time commitment
The role will attract an annual fee of £13,200 paid quarterly, in return for a time commitment of up to 40 days per year. The term of appointment will be for 3 years with the possibility of re-appointment.
Equality statement
Scottish Ministers value highly the benefits of diverse teams and leaders. People from all walks of life are encouraged to apply for roles in our public services.
Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them on our careers website, Scottish Government Jobs: Requesting adjustments – Scottish Government Jobs
If you would like to request an adjustment to our standard recruitment process, please contact Kirsty Walker at: Kirsty.Walker2@gov.scot
How to apply
For further information, including how to apply, please visit the website at: www.gatenbysanderson.com/job/GSe122872
For an informal confidential discussion about the role and your suitability, please contact the recruitment leads at Gatenby Sanderson:
Delicia Coutinho: delicia.coutinho@gatenbysanderson.com
Rosemary Baylis-West: rosemary.baylis-west@gatenbysanderson.com
Michael Dobson: michael.dobson@gatenbysanderson.com
Closing Date: Friday 6th June 2025 – 23:55pm