How to Apply

To apply for this post, please submit your application by no later than 23:55 on Friday 19 November 2021.

Your application should include:

  • A CV, no longer than 2 sides of A4, which sets the context for your covering letter, highlighting roles of particular relevance to the person specification
  • A supporting statement, no longer than two sides of A4, which offers evidence of:
    • your understanding of the Scottish Government and its strategic context
    • your governance and risk management skills, including financial governance
    • your understanding of change management in large organisations or complex networks
    • your constructive challenge, advice and influencing skills, and
    • your understanding of diversity and equality as business critical issues

The evidence offered in your letter should draw out how your behaviours and approach demonstrate your commitment to the values of the Scottish Government (set out at Further Reading).

  • A diversity monitoring form, which will not be shared with the selection panel.
  • A conflict of interest form setting out any other involvement in public life or potential conflicts of interest – Click here

For a confidential discussion please contact Andrea Trainer or Sarah El-Rasoul through publicsectorresponses@green-park.co.uk

The closing date for applications is Friday 19 November 2021 at 23:55.

Timetable

Closing date
Friday 19 November 2021, 23:55
Longlist meeting
1 or 3 December 2021
Green Park interviews
Friday 10th, Tuesday 14th, Wednesday 15th December 2021
Shortlist meeting
Thursday 6 January 2022
Final panel interviews
w/c 17 January 2022

Selection

In recognition of the Scottish Government’s ongoing measures and guidance in its response to Covid-19 (Coronavirus), we would like to advise applicants that a decision has been taken that all interviews must be conducted in a virtual/remote setting.

In order to facilitate this new way of working, we are asking all applicants to ensure that they have a suitable space to complete the virtual interview. In addition, a personal device of choice, which has the interview application downloaded (this will be MS Teams). This will allow candidates to undertake the interview/assessment if selected. We are also asking you to ensure that your personal Wi-Fi/Broadband capacity will be sufficient to carry both audio and video feeds.

In addition to being asked questions about how you meet the essential criteria, you will be sent a paper in advance of interview to review and consider how you would constructively challenge it in a governance meeting. The interview will begin with a discussion of this paper: you will be asked to talk the panel through your reflections, demonstrating your understanding of the strategic context in which the Scottish Government operates, and the way in which you would approach challenging it, demonstrating your influencing skills.

Selection Panel

The panel will be chaired by Andy Bruce, Director of Communications & Ministerial Support. Panel members are Jackie McAllister, Chief Financial Officer, and Ronnie Hinds, Lead Non-Executive Director & Chair of the Scottish Government Audit & Assurance Committee.

Eligibility & Conflicts of Interest

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a short online form providing details of any other involvement in public life or potential conflicts of interest, which will be explored further with you at interview if selected.  If you are unsure whether you have a conflict of interest and would like to discuss this, please contact andrea.trainer@green-park.co.uk

Fit and Proper Person

A ‘fit and proper person’ is an individual who meets the requirements of the role and whose past or present activities and/or behaviours do not render them unsuitable to be a Scottish Government Non-Executive Director.

As part of the selection process, all applicants invited to interview will be subject to a social media review. In addition, at interview you will be asked to confirm that you understand the nature of the role and that you are not aware of having committed any offence or performed any act incompatible with it.

Applicants successful at interview will be required to undergo counter terrorist check (CTC) clearance prior to appointment.