Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) – Members Appointments
Applicant Guidance
Public Appointments – Guidance Notes for Applicants
Please read these notes carefully before you complete your application form.
Contents of Application Information Pack
This pack contains the following:
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1.
Welcome letter from the Very Reverend Dr. Graeme Forbes, OSCR, Chair
Applicant Guidance (this document)
Person specification
Background note and role description
Advertisement/Publicity Material
Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland’s information leaflet on the
public appointment process
Your Application
Your application is very important as it is the key document which will determine whether or not
you will proceed through the first assessment stage to final assessment stage (normally
comprising of at least an interview) and ultimately to appointment. You must, therefore,
demonstrate clearly the evidence required at the first stage to show how you meet the
published essential and desirable criteria.
Please do not substitute your CV for a completed application form as this will not be considered
on its own. This is to enable us to consider all applications on an equal basis.
Please note that we accept applications in a number of different formats including audio, Braille
and large print. The Scottish Government will always give consideration to disability-related
reasonable adjustments that an applicant might request to enable them to meet the person
specification and participate fully in the selection process.
If you have any general queries regarding this application pack, please do not hesitate to
contact Craig Wilson on 0131 244 4246 or at [email protected]. Further
information about duties and functions of OSCR can also be found at http://www.oscr.org.uk/ or
by contacting David Robb, Chief Executive on 01382 220446.
1.1
Completing Your Application

We encourage applicants to apply online, however, a downloadable application form is
available. If you have any difficulties using the online system please contact Craig
Wilson on 0131 244 4246 or at [email protected].

Anonymity at initial sift and short-listing stages is used to ensure that the key principles
of merit, equality, openness and transparency are upheld. This ensures all applications
are treated the same. The Personal Information and the Monitoring Information
sections are never seen by the selection panel and they are not used to assess your
suitability for appointment. The remaining parts of your application form are made
available to those involved in the sift/short-list and selection for interview stages. The
selection panel will only be sent a list of candidates’ names who are invited to interview
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Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) – Members Appointments
Applicant Guidance
after they have made their decisions about whom to invite for interview. Please do not
worry about referring to named events/activities and employment in your application. It is
accepted that there will be situations where the applicant considers this necessary. It is
left to the individual’s judgement and disclosure of such information will not count against
you.

Review the criteria being tested before completing the application form. Remember,
when requested, to give specific examples/evidence of where and when you acquired,
and how frequently you have demonstrated the skills, knowledge and understanding
required for the role.

A good application should be structured to ensure that it flows in a clear and/or logical
way. When asked for specific examples, applicants should provide evidence and
examples to ensure that it is clear to panel members what they did, the reasons for their
action, what happened, what they took into account, and the outcome. Applicants
should not assume that the evidence provided is obvious when it comes to meeting the
competency/criterion, for instance by simply recounting job titles or job duties. They
should try and avoid bland and hypothetical statements and where possible/appropriate
use the first person – “I” not “We”.

For example, if one of the criteria is ‘the ability to work as part of a team’, the following
answers would be deemed to have provided no evidence:
“I have developed excellent team working skills during my working life” as you
state you have the skill but give no additional information to support this;
or
“As a volunteer/clerical worker etc of a Local Authority, I clearly have the ability to
work well as a team member” as you give a job title with no explanation of how
this involved the skill required;
or
“I think good teamwork means valuing everyone’s contribution”, as you give a
statement of opinion, but no practical examples of how the skill has been
demonstrated.
or
No answer is given at all.
 Further information and examples on completing a competency-based application, and
advice on preparing for an interview, can be found in the hints and tips section of the
Appointed for Scotland website www.appointed-for-scotland.org/How-to-apply/Hints-andtips/.
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If you would prefer not to access this information electronically, please get in touch with
Craig Wilson on 0131 244 4246 or at [email protected] who will be
happy to make the appropriate alternative arrangements for you.
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Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) – Members Appointments
Applicant Guidance
1.2
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Please be aware that on occasion, there may be several aspects to a criterion which will
be detailed in relevant documentation, so please ensure you provide evidence that
shows how you meet all aspects.
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We would advise applicant’s to keep a copy of their initial application for reference.
Fit and Proper Person tests
The selection panel must provide sufficient information and evidence to Scottish Ministers to
enable them to feel confident that the person they are appointing to the board of the public body
is a fit and proper person to take up the appointment. In the context of public appointments,
this is an individual who is suitable for appointment because they meet the requirements of the
role and because their past or present activities and/or behaviours do not render them
unsuitable for a given appointment. This is an ongoing process with various checks built in to
the stages of the appointment round, designed to gather the appropriate information and
evidence required. For this appointment round, the verifications in place for the fit and proper
person tests are:
Verification of relevant information provided by the applicant:

Evaluation of the evidence provided by you in relation to the skills and knowledge required
for the role will be tested in the application and further probed at interview should you be
invited. Those invited for interview will also be asked to participate in a short presentation
on a topic or question of the panel’s choice. Further information will be provided to those
invited to interview.
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If applicants provide information in support of having the relevant competency which details
roles or qualifications held which is material to the selection panel’s decision making, this
information may be checked as part of the final assessment.
Ensuring that the applicant’s conduct to date has been compatible with the public appointment
in question:

Confirmation that you understand the work of the body and the nature of the appointment
and that you are not aware of having committed any offence or performed any act
incompatible with the position that you are applying for forms part of the declaration
statement of the application form. By virtue of submitting the completed form you are
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:
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You are asked in the application form to complete questions about potential conflicts of
interest.
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If invited for interview, further assessment will be through questioning that you understand
what is meant by a conflict; asking you to confirm that, to the best of your belief, you do not
have any conflicts that are incompatible/unmanageable; or seeking additional information if
you have declared a conflict in your initial application.
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Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) – Members Appointments
Applicant Guidance
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As part of the Commissioner’s Code, you will also be asked at the application stage to
declare if you have had any political activity in the past five years.
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:
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Information on disqualifications is provided in the application pack and you are asked to
review this prior to submitting your application. Confirmation that you are not disqualified on
any grounds from being appointed to this Board forms part of the declaration statement of
the application form. By virtue of submitting the completed form you are declaring that the
information provided is, to the best of your knowledge and belief, true and complete.
Ensuring that the applicant agrees to apply the Principles of Public Life in Scotland and be
bound by the Members’ Code of Conduct for the body concerned:
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You are referred to the Members’ Model Code of Conduct for the Board in the application
pack and you should review this prior to submitting your application – this is included in the
annexes within the application pack. Confirmation that you have read the Members Code of
Conduct for the Board, you understand this Code and agree to be bound by it in the event
that you are appointed forms part of the declaration statement of the application form. By
virtue of submitting the completed form you are declaring that the information provided is, to
the best of your knowledge and belief, true and complete.

Applicants are expected to embrace the nine Principles of Public Life in Scotland. These
are included in the annexes within the application pack. If invited for interview, you will be
asked to confirm your understanding of, and agreement to, applying these principles.
Establishing that the individual is able to meet the time commitment required:

The publicity for the role sets out the time commitment involved for the role. If invited for
interview, this will be fully explored with you to ensure that you can offer the appropriate
assurance that you can undertake the commitment required of the role.
1.3
How we will handle your application

Following receipt of your completed application form, the Personal Information and
Monitoring Information sections will be separated from the rest of the application form.

Initially your completed application form will be assessed against the essential criteria for
this appointment to see whether you have the required skills and knowledge. Based on
this assessment, the selection panel will then decide whether you will progress to
interview. Scottish Ministers are not involved at this stage.
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Applicants who are not selected for the next stage of assessment will be advised of the
outcome of their applications in writing.
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A senior official of the Scottish Government will normally chair the selection panel. As a
minimum, a representative from the board of the public body would also normally be part
of the panel. Full details of the selection panel for this appointment are at section 10.
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Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) – Members Appointments
Applicant Guidance
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If invited to interview and you have a disability, it will be this point you should let us know
(contact details will be provided in your invitation to interview) if you would like particular
arrangements made.
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If invited to interview you will be asked questions by the selection panel to assess
whether you can demonstrate that you meet the essential and desirable criteria required
for this role. You will also be asked to undertake a short presentation at interview.
Details will be provided to those invited to interview.
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All applicants invited to interview will be advised in writing of the outcome of their
assessment.
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The relevant Minister is then presented with an applicant summary containing the
evidence gathered for the applicants the selection panel is recommending the Minister
considers for appointment. The Minister can choose to meet those applicants prior to
making a decision.
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If you are successful you will be invited in writing by the relevant Minister to accept the
appointment.
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Feedback will be offered to all applicants invited to interview. It will be based on:
o the assessment of your merit in relation to the skills and knowledge required; and
o the outcome of the fit and proper person test where appropriate.
1.4.
Appointment Round Timetable
The table below shows the key milestones during the appointments process.
Stage In Process
Timescale
Date appointment publicised
Closing date for applications
Date of shortlist meeting to select candidates for
interview
Date by which outcome of shortlist meeting will be
relayed to applicants
Date of interviews
Date by which Ministers will decide whom to appoint
Date by which applicants will be informed of
Ministerial decision
Latest date for applicants to request feedback
Expected date of appointment (subject to Ministerial
approval)
2.
4 December 2015
22 January 2016
1 February 2016
2 February 2016
25 February & 1
March 2016
w/c 28 March 2016
w/c 28 March 2016
8 April 2016
Mid April 2016
Nationality/Disqualifications
There is no bar on non-British nationals applying for and being appointed to the board of NonDepartmental Public Bodies (NDPBs). However, you must be legally entitled to work in the UK.
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Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) – Members Appointments
Applicant Guidance
Disqualifications
Applicants will be ineligible to apply for this appointment if they have already served a total of
eight years on the OSCR Board. Applicants will be ineligible if they are:
(a) a member of the Scottish Parliament,
(b) a member of the House of Commons,
(c) a member of the European Parliament,
(d) an office-holder in the Scottish Administration.
3.
Equality and Diversity
Accessibility to public appointments is a fundamental requirement and the public appointments
process promotes, demonstrates and upholds equality of opportunity and treatment to all
applicants. The Scottish Government will always give consideration to disability-related
reasonable adjustments that an applicant might request to enable them to meet the person
specification and participate fully in the selection process. If you require any of the application
pack documentation in an alternative format, please contact us on Freephone 0800 015 8449 or
by email at [email protected].
The Scottish Government is committed to appointment on merit, diversity and equality for public
appointments. For more information about public appointments and other vacancies please
visit the dedicated public appointments website at www.appointed-for-scotland.org.
4.
Effect on existing benefits you may receive currently
The effect of taking up a remunerated public appointment may, however, affect any benefits
you receive. This will depend on your individual circumstances and you should therefore seek
early advice from the office that pays your benefit. Advice can also be found at these
two websites www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/index.htm or
www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/DisabilityLivingAllowance/index.htm.
5.
Postage
If returning your completed application by post, please ensure it that bears the correct value of
postage as failure to do so may cause Royal Mail to delay your application thus causing you to
miss the closing date. Late applications will not be considered.
6.
Interviews/Expenses
Applicants can claim for reasonable expenses incurred in attending for interview, including
dependent carer expenses. It is expected that the most efficient and economic means of travel
will be used and reimbursement will normally be restricted to that amount. When an overnight
stay is necessary, you must contact Craig Wilson on 0131 244 4246 or at
[email protected], in advance, for confirmation of current subsistence rates. A
copy of the Scottish Government’s Travel and Subsistence rates and claim form can be
obtained directly from the sponsor team although, 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.
7.
Publicising Appointments
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Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) – Members Appointments
Applicant Guidance
Should you be appointed, some of the information that you have provided will be made public in
the press announcement of your appointment. This applies particularly to any other public
appointments you may hold, and of any significant political activity recently undertaken by you.
The press release will include:
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8.
your name;
a short description of the body to which you have been appointed;
a brief summary of the skills and knowledge you bring to the role;
the period of appointment;
any remuneration associated with the appointment;
details of all other public appointments held and any related remuneration received;
a statement that the appointment is regulated by the Commissioner for Ethical Standards
in Public Life in Scotland; and
details of any political activity declared.
Complaints
For details of our complaint's procedure, please visit the Appointed for Scotland website or
http://www.appointed-for-scotland.org/Complaints/ or contact Public Appointments Team,,
E1 Spur, Saughton House, Edinburgh EH11 3XD; Freephone 0800 015 8449 or email at
[email protected].
9.
Conflicts of Interest
More guidance on conflicts of interest can be obtained by visiting the Commissioner’s website
at www.publicappointments.org/publications/publication/596/. Alternatively, you can contact
Craig Wilson on 0131 244 4246 or at [email protected].
Selection Panel
10.
The selection panel will comprise:
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Yvonne Strachan, Deputy Director, Head of Equality Unit (panel chair)
The Very Reverend Dr. Graeme Forbes, OSCR, Chair
Jackie Killeen, Scotland Director, Big Lottery Fund (independent member)
Applicants will be asked in the application form to declare if and how they know any of the
selection panel.
11.
Support and Development
If you are successful at interview and accept the appointment then you will be contacted by The
Very Reverend Dr. Graeme Forbes, OSCR, Chair, for a one-to-one meeting to discuss what’s
expected of you and your individual role within the Board.
You will also be invited to an induction session with the Board, Chief Executive and Senior
Management Team; this should take place within one month of appointment and will be
expected to include (but not be restricted to) the following:
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Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) – Members Appointments
Applicant Guidance
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the role of a board member in delivering Ministerial Strategy in line with the National
Performance Framework;
roles and relationships with the Ministers, Scottish Government officials and the sponsor
team;
the organisational structure and work of each OSCR service;
role of the Board and arrangements for Board meetings;
budget and financial overview; and
arrangements for remuneration and expenses.
There will also be an ongoing appraisal process. This will give you an opportunity to discuss
your performance with the chair, and highlight any developmental or training needs which may
have been identified.
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ANNEX A
Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) – Member Appointment
Applicant Guidance
Person Specification
OSCR - Non-Executive Members
We are looking to recruit two board members, and have identified the particular requirements to
complement the skills of those members who will still be on the board in February 2016.
Please Note: These posts will be of interest to people who do not have previous Board experience,
but who have the potential to contribute and who wish to develop their skills and are willing to learn.
What we are looking for are individuals who can put their skills, knowledge and experience to use to
the benefit of the Board and who have the capacity, potential and commitment to “grow” into the role.
Listed in the tables below are the skills, knowledge and experience you will need to be able to
demonstrate for these roles as a member of the OSCR Board, this includes illustrative descriptors of
each criterion to specify what we are looking for and an indication at which stage in the process each
of the criteria will be tested.
Priority
Essential Illustrative Descriptors
Criteria – Post A
 Understands and is committed to
Work
related
digital agenda
experience,
or
knowledge of digital  Has been involved in the delivery of
digital public services and increasing
service delivery
digital participation.
Application


Priority
Essential Illustrative Descriptors
Criteria –
Post A & Post B
1.
Longer
term  Able to see the bigger picture of issues
planning/seeing the
facing the charity sector in Scotland
bigger picture
today and can contribute to the
development of a strategy or business
plan
 identifies a comprehensive range of
priorities, challenges and risks within
different timeframes and can evaluate
their impact from a strategic
perspective
 has a clear informed picture of the long
term aim of the organisation when
considering issues
 sees whole picture as well as the part
they may feel most qualified or
experienced in
2.
Communication  be persuasive and have the ability to
and Influencing
exercise influencing skills within a
Application
Interview
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9
Interview
ANNEX A
Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) – Member Appointment
Applicant Guidance
Person Specification
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3.
Working
operatively
collaboratively
coand
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4. Governance
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committee/meeting setting or perhaps
other stakeholders
being engaging & enthusiastic
Good written skills
able to adapt their style appropriately
for different audiences
active listening – showing people that
they are taking account of what is
being said
working with colleagues to deliver
objectives
actively seeks out the views of
colleagues
showing enthusiasm in working with
colleagues on a task which might not
have direct benefit for their own role
prepared to take on a task or role for
the ‘good of the organisation’
seeking opportunities to build
constructive relationships within the
organisation
confidence and the ability to challenge
constructively to achieve full
consideration of an issue
able to accept a consensus decision
even if it goes against a personal view
understands and recognises the
importance of good governance in
organisations and be able to define this
in broad terms
appreciate the different roles on a
board in ensuring effective governance
understand the role of the regulator
10
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ANNEX B
Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) – Chair Appointment
Applicant Guidance
Role Description and Background Note
The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) became a Non Ministerial Department in
April 2006 and reports to the Scottish Parliament. OSCR is the independent regulator and
registrar for over 23,000 charities including community groups, religious charities, schools,
universities, grant giving charities and major care providers
.
OSCR was created to be an independent, proportionate, transparent and fair regulator. Its
main functions are: to keep a public register of charities; determine charity status; encourage,
facilitate and monitor compliance with charity law; identify and investigate misconduct in charity
administration and take remedial or protective action.
Roles and Responsibilities
We are looking to recruit two board members, and have identified the particular requirements to
complement the skills of those members who will still be on the board in February 2016. These
posts will be of interest to people who do not have previous Board experience, but who have
the potential to contribute and who wish to develop their skills and are willing to learn.
What we are looking for are individuals who can put their skills, knowledge and experience to
use to the benefit of the Board and who have the capacity, potential and commitment to “grow”
into the role. Listed below are the skills, knowledge and experience you will need to be able to
demonstrate for these roles as a member of the OSCR Board:
Post A - (Essential key criterion)

Work related experience, or knowledge of digital service delivery.
Post A & Post B - (Essential criteria)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Longer Term Planning/seeing the bigger picture.
Communication and Influencing
Working co-operatively and collaboratively.
Governance
Training and Development
OSCR provide an induction programme for Board members, and an annual performance
appraisal system is in place, during which any development needs are identified and suitable
learning opportunities identified.
Term of appointment
The term of appointment will be for up to 4 years in the first instance. When a term comes to an
end, the skills the board requires will be reassessed. If you satisfy the requirements of the new
person specification at that time, and there is evidence of your effective performance, Scottish
Ministers may consider reappointing you for a further term. A non-executive member’s total
period of appointment will not exceed eight years.
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ANNEX B
Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) – Chair Appointment
Applicant Guidance
Role Description and Background Note
Termination of appointment
The appointment may be terminated prior to the 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 three months’ notice in writing.
Time commitment
The formal time commitment is up to 1.5 days per month which includes attending
approximately 4 board meetings per annum. Board Meetings will be held alternately in Dundee
and other locations as appropriate.
Location
Board Meetings will be held alternately in Dundee and other locations as appropriate. Dates of
Board meetings in 2016 are:

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11 May 2016
15 June 2016
14 September 2016
9 November 2016
Remuneration and allowances
Remuneration for these posts will be £200.00 per day. Travel, subsistence, and reasonable
dependent carer allowance incurred as a result of carrying out the duties associated with this
appointment will be reimbursed.
The appointment is not pensionable.
Disqualification
Applicants will be ineligible to apply for this appointment if they have already served a total of
eight years on the OSCR Board. Applicants will be ineligle if they are:
(a) a member of the Scottish Parliament,
(b) a member of the House of Commons,
(c) a member of the European Parliament,
(d) an office-holder in the Scottish Administration.
Residency
There is no bar on non-British nationals applying for and being appointed to the board of NonDepartmental Public Bodies (NDPBs). However, you must be legally entitled to work in the UK.
12
ANNEX B
Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) – Chair Appointment
Applicant Guidance
Role Description and Background Note
KEY PRINCIPLES OF THE MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT
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 functions
and duties 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 and in a way that is consistent with
the functions of the public body 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, and 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
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ANNEX B
Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) – Chair Appointment
Applicant Guidance
Role Description and Background Note
you must respect members of the public when performing duties as a member
of your public body.
14
ANNEX C
Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) – Chair Appointment
Applicant Guidance
OFFICE OF THE SCOTTISH CHARITY REGULATOR (OSCR):
OF BOARD MEMBERS
APPOINTMENT
Ranging from Local Village Halls to Colleges and Universities, the Scottish charity sector is as
diverse as the country itself. If you would like to play a key part in this exciting area of Scottish
life, an opportunity has arisen. Scottish Ministers wish to appoint 2 members to OSCR. , As a
board member you will be responsible for ensuring effective regulation of Scottish charities and
act as an ambassador for OSCR to promote its policies and values.
OSCR is the independent regulator and registrar of Scottish charities. It was established as a
Non-Ministerial Department in April 2006 by the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland)
Act 2005. OSCR’s vision is of charities you can trust and that provide public benefit.
The Board is responsible for the overall vision for OSCR, for the strategy by which this will be
achieved, for policy and for monitoring performance.
We are looking for two new Board members. These posts may be of interest to people who do
not have previous Board experience, but who have the potential to contribute, who wish to
develop their skills in this area and are willing to learn. Specifically we are looking for one of the
members to have an understanding and commitment to digital service delivery, which is a key
for focus for OSCR’s future.
Furthermore it is important they all applicants have the ability to:
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Analyse complex material and to reach sound conclusions based on this analysis
Work effectively as part of a team
Challenge constructively within a board environment.
Communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
Contribute to the board’s strategic thinking.
Appointment details: It is anticipated that these appointments will commence in April 2016 for
a period of up to four years, with the possibility of re-appointment subject to evidence of
effective performance and satisfying the skills, knowledge and personal qualities required at the
time of re-appointment.
Time Commitment: The formal time commitment is up to 1.5 days per month which includes
attending approximately 4 board meetings per annum. Board Meetings will be held alternately
in Dundee and other locations as appropriate. Meetings currently scheduled for 2016 are:

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

11 May 2016
15 June 2016
14 September 2016
8 & 9 November 2016
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ANNEX C
Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) – Chair Appointment
Applicant Guidance
Location: Meetings are held alternately in Dundee and other locations as appropriate.
Remuneration: £200 per day. Travel, subsistence, and reasonable dependent carer allowance
incurred as a result of carrying out the duties associated with this appointment will be
reimbursed. This is non-pensionable.
Closing date for applications is Friday 22 January 2016.
An application pack and full details on this and other public appointments can be found at our
public appointments website: www.appointed-for-scotland.org
If you experience any difficulties accessing our website, please contact the Public Appointments
Team on Freephone 0300 244 1898 or fax on 0131 244 3833, by email at
[email protected], or by writing to Public Appointments, Scottish
Government, E1 Spur, Saughton House, Broomhouse Drive, Edinburgh EH11 3XD.
We would welcome applications from anyone who believes they could make a strong
contribution although we are also seeking to broaden the diversity of the Board
including the breadth of its geographical involvement, gender balance and engagement
of other groups currently under-represented on Scotland’s public bodies, such as
disabled people and minority ethnic communities.
Appointed on merit; committed to diversity and equality.
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Commissioner for Ethical Standards
in Public Life in Scotland
Who We Are
This leaflet is about the work of the Public
Appointments Commissioner for Scotland 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 make sure that the people who
serve on these boards are appointed on merit,
using methods that are fair and open. Whilst
we regulate the process used to make
appointments, it is run by civil servants on
behalf of the Scottish Government. A
representative of the Commissioner, known as
a Public Appointments Assessor, oversees
every regulated appointment round.
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 the people
there 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 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 complaints leaflet also tells you what to
do if you want to make a complaint about us.
Contact details
Commissioner for Ethical
Public Life in Scotland
Thistle House,
Edinburgh
EH12 5HE
91
Standards
Haymarket
in
Terrace,
T: 0300 011 0550
E: [email protected]
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