Are you interested in helping lead Boundaries Scotland over the next four years?
Boundaries Scotland is currently looking for a new Deputy Chair. Applications are encouraged from people with strong leadership and communication skills. Changes to boundaries can be controversial. The Deputy Chair is a high-profile role and the successful applicant will be required to assist the Chair in representing the Commission and making recommendations arising from reviews.
Boundaries Scotland is an independent Commission sponsored and funded by the Scottish Government. The Commission is responsible for carrying out reviews of constituencies and regions for the Scottish Parliament and reviewing the number of wards and councillors for local councils. To ensure fair representation of voters by Members of the Scottish Parliament and councillors, electoral boundaries require to be reviewed periodically as the number of people living in an area can change.
The role also offers the rewarding opportunity to help lead an organisation which helps to safeguard the fairness of democracy in Scotland. The ability to work within a legislative framework to apply knowledge of Scotland’s geography, topography, demography and socio-economic characteristics in the practical context of boundary reviews is essential. The Deputy Chair will also be required to ensure that high standards of governance are observed at all times in the work of the Commission.
The Commission would particularly welcome application from those with understanding of the law and legal processes, working knowledge and understanding of the Scottish local government and/or understanding of the Scottish political landscape.
Boundaries Scotland wants to be representative of the people of Scotland and welcome applications from women, LGBT+ people, young people, disabled people and those from minority ethnic communities. We also encourage candidates from a range of geographic regions in Scotland to apply.
Skills/Experience Required
The successful applicant must be able to demonstrate the following:
Remuneration and time commitment
This appointment is part-time and requires a commitment of up to 2 days per month to support Commission meetings.
The appointment is non-pensionable and attracts a fee £252 for every day of not less than 7.5 hours on a pro rata basis. Reasonable travel, subsistence, childcare and dependant carer expenses incurred as a result of carrying out this role will be reimbursed.