The Scottish Human Rights Commission’s role is to promote widespread awareness, understanding of, and respect for human rights.
We are looking for a talented individual to be the part-time Chair of the Commission.
You will have energy, credibility, integrity and sound judgement to lead, in collaboration with the other members, the strategic direction of the Commission,
The appointment is for a fixed term of 6 years, is part-time (10 days a month) and attracts a daily fee rate of £351.
The Commission is based in Edinburgh.
For an application pack including full details of the requirements-
Visit - Part-time Chair, Scottish Human Rights Commission | Scottish Parliament Website
Email – officeholder.applications@parliament.scot
Telephone – 0131 348 6851
For BSL users, please call via – contactscotland-bsl.org
Write to – The Scottish Parliament, Officeholder Services, Edinburgh EH99 1SP
The closing date for receipt of applications is12noon, Monday 26 February 2024
The Scottish Parliament is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and treatment and to eliminating unfair discrimination in its employment/appointment practices.
Part-time Chair, Scottish Human Rights Commission
Postcode: EH99 1SP
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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:
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:
2. Inclusive and strategic leadership skills, including:
3. Communication and engagement skills, including:
The Convener of School Closure Review Panels is now recruiting persons who will be eligible to be Panel Members.
The Convener and Panels were established by, and have prescribed powers and duties under, the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 (legislation.gov.uk)Legislation is supported by statutory guidance which supports local authorities when they consult on changes to schools (including nursery) such as closing, relocating or opening a new school. Supporting documents - Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010: guidance - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
School Closure Review Panels are independent statutory bodies which have been created to enhance and strengthen the process of local authority school closures in Scotland. On 30th March 2015 the Convener and Panels took over responsibility from the Scottish Ministers for reviewing and determining local authority school closure decisions which are called-in by Ministers.
Scottish Ministers can call in a proposal when the education authority may have failed in a significant regard to comply with the requirements imposed on it by the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 so far as they are relevant to the closure proposal, or to take proper account of a material consideration relevant to its decision to implement the proposal.
Duties and responsibilities
The Convener is responsible for appointing and maintaining a pool of persons who will be eligible to be Panel Members. Once a school closure decision is called in by Scottish Ministers, the Convener is required to select three individuals from the pool of persons eligible to be Panel Members to form a Panel to determine each case, and to identify a Chair for each Panel.
Once a Panel is established, responsibility for the review of a closure proposal and for its determination lies with the Panel. The Convener is not involved in Panel decisions.
Administrative support, organised by the Convener, is provided to the Panels. The Convener has engaged the Scottish Arbitration Centre to provide administrative support to the Convener and the Panels.
It is difficult to predict the number of school closure decisions that will be called in by Scottish Ministers. The original estimated was five or six proposals a year, but since 2015 only six Panels have been established to review decisions. The last Panel convened was in 2021.
For more on the work of SCRP: Schools Closure Review Panel (scrp.scot)
Skills, knowledge and experience required
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:
· Evidence of managing tasks involving reading complex written documents and working to deadlines.
· Experience of making effective and reasoned decisions.
· The ability to produce high quality written work.
· Good verbal communication skills.
· The ability to work well with others as part of a team.
Desirable, but not essential would be:
· Awareness of the issues involved in school closure consultations in Scotland.
· Awareness of the issues involved in the provision of education in Scotland’s rural communities.
· Legal knowledge and experience.
We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and wish to particularly encourage applications from disabled applicants and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants.
Remuneration
Remuneration of £226.92 per day (which is non-pensionable) is payable. Expenses for travel and subsistence relating to the Panels will be reimbursed.
Time commitment
Ideally, should you be asked to sit on a Panel, you should be able to make a firm commitment to spend up to ten days per year on Panel business. You will also be asked to attend a Panel member training day one day each year.
Location of meetings
Administrative support for the Panels is based in Edinburgh, and induction and other training is likely to take place in Edinburgh or online. Much of the work of any Panel can be performed remotely, with support from the administrative team.
Additional information
You are disqualified from being appointed as a Panel Member if you are a member of the Scottish Parliament; a Local Authority Councillor; a member of the House of Commons or House of Lords.
If you have any initial questions or requests for clarification, please email juliet@scrp.scot
This is a senior role in the Scottish Green Parliamentary Group, managing the group’s central staff team, and working with the MSPs and staff to develop and deliver the Green agenda in Parliament, coordinate and support the delivery of parliamentary campaigns, and to communicate the Green MSPs’ work effectively.
Job purpose
To manage the provision of research, communication and campaign services for the Green Group of MSPs, advise on and coordinate the Group’s parliamentary activity, and line manage the central team of staff.
Duties and responsibilities
● Manage the provision of research, communications and business management services for the Green Group of MSPs
● Line manage the Group’s central team (currently eight members of staff)
● Advise on and coordinate parliamentary activity, including positioning and approach to chamber business
● Work with MSPs in the delivery of the group parliamentary strategy, and advise MSPs on the delivery of their duties
● Ensure group research and communications work is joined up, performance driven, and co-ordinated with individual Green MSP staff teams
● Support the Group in developing and delivering parliamentary and regional campaigns
● Manage the Group budget and commission external services to support the Group’s communications and research programme
● Maintain a strategic oversight of comms output and strategy, in close cooperation with the Communications Manager
● Support the Group Convenor and the MSPs in ensuring group cohesiveness and developing positive ways of working together
● Other duties in support of the MSPs carrying out their parliamentary duties as required
About You - Person specification
Essential
● Experience of working in a political, public affairs and/or campaigns environment in a senior role
● Experience of line management
● Understanding of the Scottish political landscape and an interest in politics
● A quick learner with the ability to multitask and work within tight timescales
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills
● Be sympathetic to the aims and objectives of the Green Parliamentary Group of MSPs in carrying out their parliamentary duties
Desirable
● A good understanding of the Scottish Parliament and parliamentary process
● Experience of managing multi-disciplinary teams to deliver successful campaigns
● Experience of development and delivery of strategic organisational plans
● Strong relationships across policy and media landscape in Scotland
Reporting to:Mark Ruskell MSP, employment lead for the Scottish Greens Parliamentary Group
Join Us as Treasurer at Friends at the End
Are you a passionate advocate for human rights and dignity? Do you have a knack for numbers and a heart for service? Friends at the End SCIO is seeking a dedicated and skilled Treasurer to join our team and help drive our mission forward.
About Us
Friends at the End (FATE) is a Scottish charity that supports individuals' choices at the end of life. We advocate for a change in the law to allow the choice of an assisted death for terminally ill, mentally competent adults. Our mission is to provide information, support, and guidance on end-of-life options, empowering people to make informed decisions.
Role Overview
As our Treasurer, you will play a critical role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of FATE. You will oversee our financial management, reporting, and planning, ensuring that we can continue to support our community and advocate for compassionate end-of-life choices.
Key Responsibilities:
What We're Looking For:
Why Join Us?