The Electoral Commission is the independent body that oversees elections and regulates political finance across the
UK. It has a vital role in maintaining public confidence in our democratic processes. The Commission regulates
the rules on political finance in the context of increasingly complex campaigning techniques, rapidly changing
technology and fragile public trust in democratic processes.
Its vision is “a fair democracy fit for the future”, ensuring elections and referendums are trusted, accessible and
secure. The Commission works across all four nations of the UK and is accountable to the UK Parliament, the
Scottish Parliament and the Senedd. The Commission is currently in the second year of an ambitious five-year
plan that covers the delivery of an important cycle of UK-wide polls and implementation of the forthcoming
Representation of the People Bill.
The Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission is seeking an outstanding individual to join the Electoral
Commission Board as the Electoral Commissioner with specific responsibility for Scotland. This role will help to
shape the future of democracy in Scotland and across the UK.
This is a rare opportunity to play a leading role in protecting and strengthening democratic processes across
Scotland and the UK. As a Commissioner, you will help guide the strategic direction of the independent body
responsible for overseeing elections and regulating political finance, while helping to ensure the Commission’s
work is informed by Scotland’s democratic, political and institutional context.
About the Role
As one of ten Electoral Commissioners, you will:
• Provide strategic leadership and governance at Board level
• Help shape the Commission’s future priorities and oversee delivery of its ambitious five-year plans
• Oversee the delivery of the Commission’s first dedicated Scotland Corporate Plan
• Support public confidence in elections, democratic participation and political finance regulation
• Build relationships with senior political, parliamentary and public sector stakeholders across Scotland
• Act as an independent, impartial and authoritative voice on issues affecting Scotland’s democratic landscape
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking an accomplished and credible leader who can demonstrate:
• Credibility and significant achievements within Scotland, gained through executive and/or non-executive
leadership
• Deep understanding of Scotland’s political, public sector and democratic environment
• Experience influencing strategy and providing constructive challenge at Board or senior leadership level
• Independence, integrity, sound judgement and political awareness
• Strong relationship-building and ambassadorial skills
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Terms and Conditions of Appointment
Term: Four years (with potential reappointment up to a maximum of ten years)
Time commitment: 2–3 days per month
Remuneration: £500 per day plus reasonable expenses
Location:UK-wide role with significant engagement in Scotland
Nationality: Applicants must be able to prove that they are eligible to work in the UK.
Closing date: 5.00pm, Monday 21st September 2026
Eligibility, Political Impartiality and Financial Interests
To protect the Commission’s independence and impartiality, candidates cannot currently be members of a registered
political party and must not have held specified political offices, party roles, or made significant political
donations within the previous five years. Full conditions can be found in the candidate brochure, which is
downloadable from the FWB Executive Search
website here.