Board Member

Could you help influence how Scotland’s data is used and understood?

Scottish Ministers are recruiting members to the ScotStat Board for Official Statistics. The purpose of the ScotStat Board is to provide recommendations, advice and critical challenge to the Chief Statistician on the production and dissemination of Scottish devolved statistics.

Members of the Board will help promote innovation and set priorities for Official Statistics in Scotland. Members will become familiar with the Official Statistics landscape, and gain experience of strategic thinking and influencing within Government. Members will have the opportunity to work alongside and network with individuals from a range of backgrounds from across Scotland.

We are particularly interested in recruiting Board members with expertise in one of the following areas:

• Communications or data journalism

• Health

• Education

• Users of the Census

• Business

The Board meets around four times per year. You should ensure you have the agreement of your employer to attend meetings of the Board.

Meetings will normally be hybrid with in-person meetings in Atlantic Quay, Glasgow.

Appointment will be for an initial term of two years.

Remuneration and Expenses

This is an unpaid role. However, you may be able to claim reasonable travel and subsistence expenses.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities 

The responsibilities of the role are:

• To contribute actively to the Board in giving strategic direction to the statistics community, providing advice and critical challenge to the Chief Statistician on areas such as statistical policy, priorities and outputs.
• To maintain an overview of the Scottish statistics community, ensuring it is fit for purpose and that it operates within a sound framework.
• To support the Chief Statistician to identify risks/challenges to the production and dissemination of official statistics in Scotland and reflect on appropriate action.
• To prepare for and attend quarterly Board meetings, as required (estimated to be no more than 1 day per quarter in total).
• To act according to Nolan's seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Qualifications

No specific qualifications are required. 

Essential Criteria

Scottish Ministers welcome applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds who have the following skills and experience:

1. Experience of working with data and statistics, or using statistics to inform decision making.
2. An understanding of, or interest in, at least one topic area covered by devolved statistics.
3. Strategic vision and the ability to think creatively to identify policy proposals.
4. Independent judgement and a willingness to speak your mind.
5. Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

A list of topics covered by Scottish Government statistical publications is available on the Scottish Government website. Devolved statistics are also published by other public bodies in Scotland including National Records of Scotland and Public Health Scotland.

If you have any questions about the role or the ScotStat Board, please contact statistics.enquiries@gov.scot.

Application Process

Please provide your CV and a supporting statement (no more than 600 words) that outlines why you are interested in being a Board member and what you would bring to the role to statistics.enquiries@gov.scot.

Please only send your application to the email provided. 

Closing date for applications is 23:59 - Sunday 9th August.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal interview.

The appointment process will aim to ensure a diversity of skills, experience and demographic background in the composition of the Board.

Diversity and Inclusion

Delivering successful national services for Scotland is impossible without ensuring we consider the diverse needs, perspectives, and backgrounds of everyone in Scotland in our work. 

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, and work to ensure a positive recruitment experience where everyone is treated fairly, and with respect regardless of the outcome.