The Scottish Government and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) are seeking a new independent Chair for the National Suicide Prevention Advisory Group (NSPAG) – someone who can be a visible, creative, inclusive and active leader for suicide prevention work in Scotland.

The Person

We are seeking a professional, from any field, who is dynamic and engaging, and who has the skills and passion to help us achieve our shared ambition of preventing suicide and supporting anyone affected by suicide.

The role of the Chair is to lead the Advisory Group, so it can fulfil its vital role in driving forward the Scottish Government and COSLA’s ambitious 10 year Suicide Prevention Strategy, Creating Hope Together, which is complemented by a 3 year action plan 2022-2025 and our current delivery plan.

Rose Fitzpatrick CBE QPM is the current Chair of the Advisory Group. Rose has provided exceptional leadership on suicide prevention in Scotland since 2018 and is stepping down having come to the end of her second term. You can read more about Rose’s experience as Chair here.

The Vision

The strategy is jointly owned by the Scottish Government and COSLA with the vision of reducing the number of suicide deaths in Scotland, whilst tackling the inequalities which contribute to suicide. Its aim is for any child, young person or adult who has thoughts of taking their own life, or are affected by suicide, to get the help they need and feel a sense of hope.

We recognise that to deliver on this bold strategy we need strong, collaborative partnerships across and beyond national and local government, into all parts of society. That will allow us to support communities to be safe, compassionate, inclusive, and free of stigma – which together will protect against the risk of suicide.

We place enormous value on lived and living experience guiding and shaping all our work, alongside practice, data and academic research.

The Advisory Group

The Group's role is to provide independent strategic guidance to Suicide Prevention Scotland (our delivery collective) and assess (and report) progress in delivering the 10 year strategy. Both functions are underpinned by impartiality and constructive challenge. Members are also asked to actively support our suicide prevention work in Scotland - by identifying opportunities and networking connections to deepen the reach and impact of our collective work.

The Group is highly collaborative and plays an influential role in this high profile, impactful and sensitive area. Membership of the Group reflects many of the sectors which are linked to, or affected by suicide - such as poverty, criminal justice, and health, as well as representing groups likely to be more affected by suicide, such as the care experienced community.

Members work together by creating a safe and supportive environment where they bring their expertise and insights, together with all available evidence, and through constructive, open and creative discussion, drive forward Scotland’s suicide prevention work. The Group’s first annual report of progress against the 10 year strategy has just been published.

The Group’s work is informed by continuous engagement, and gives equal weight to evidence by experience, practice, data and academic research. At all times members seek to work in a spirit of critical friendship towards all partners, organisations and communities who contribute to suicide prevention in Scotland. The Group aims to keep the wellbeing and recovery of those at risk of, and affected by, suicide at its heart. We are looking for an independent Chair whose values exemplify respect, empathy and kindness.

The Suicide Prevention Policy Team in the Scottish Government act as secretariat to the Group, and will provide support and induction for the new Chair.

Key priorities for the new Chair include:

• Convening the group (in person, 4-6 times per year) to deliver the full range of advice and assurance required.
• Reviewing evidence from a wide range of sources, including from our lived experience panels of people affected by suicide and from academic advisers.
• Producing an annual strategic assessment of progress in delivering the strategy’s outcomes.
• Connecting and engaging with our suicide prevention community, including our National Suicide Prevention Delivery Lead and Strategic Outcome Lead partners.

Responsibilities and Competencies

The most important qualification for this job is having the right skills and values to lead the Advisory Group, so that it can make a positive impact on suicide prevention in Scotland.

We are keen to hear from leaders from all walks of life. You do not need to be a specialist in any particular field to apply, but you will be skilled in convening and leading groups of people.

You may, for example, have gained your skills through your profession or your experience of being active in your community in a voluntary capacity. Previous experience of suicide prevention is not necessary, but you should be passionate about using your skills, experience and values to advance the mission of the NSPAG.

Renumeration

The remuneration will be £300 per day, plus expenses. Please note that this is not a pensionable role.

Time Commitment

We expect that the time commitment will vary across the year but estimate that you should be able to dedicate 3 days per month, including an ability to attend meetings and events beyond the central belt of Scotland.

Location

The primary location will be St Andrews House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG. As Chair, you will be able to work flexibly, but the role is likely to involve an element of travel.

Essential Criteria and Qualifications

You will need to be able to demonstrate how you have developed and deployed strong skill in three key areas:

1. Ability to be an ambassador for suicide prevention in Scotland, including:

• An ability to understand and relate to suicide prevention and our evidence-based strategy, and drive it forward with vigour, passion and compassion.
• Being a visible leader, and a credible and relatable voice on suicide prevention, contributing to the strong and engaging public profile we have across our work.
• Understanding and being able to successfully navigate the public sector landscape, including national and local government, as well as valuing the role of the third sector, charities, business, and communities.
• Being able to identify creative and cross-sector opportunities to drive suicide prevention.

2. Inclusive and strategic leadership skills, including:

• An ability to work in a strategic and impactful way with an understanding of how to deliver tangible, system-wide change.
• Being able to convene partners to discuss strategic issues and opportunities, which results in constructive advice and commitment.
• A leadership style that genuinely values and displays equality and inclusion and actively promotes participation, seeking out lesser-heard voices.
• An ability to bring diverse views together to understand issues better and help achieve shared outcomes.

3. Communication and engagement skills, including:

• An aptitude for engaging, enthusing and instilling confidence in others, towards a common purpose.
• An ability to tailor communication style and messages to a range of audiences - from grassroots groups to politicians.
• Excellent interpersonal skills that build trust with NSPAG members, people with lived and living experience of suicide, and other stakeholders.