Appointment of Members to the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland is an independent statutory body that protects and promotes the human rights of people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia and related conditions, and works to ensure that care and treatment are lawful, person‑centred and consistent with best practice. Their work is grounded in the experiences of individuals, particularly where rights, care, law and ethics intersect. Through their visiting programme, monitoring of mental health and incapacity law, and investigation activity, they seek to safeguard rights and drive meaningful improvements in services.

The Commission play a key role in influencing policy and practice at both national and service level. By gathering evidence from those who use and deliver services, they provide informed recommendations, develop good practice guidance and contribute to policy development. They also empower individuals and carers to understand and exercise their rights, supporting a more rights-based approach to care across Scotland.

The Commission’s current strategic priorities focus on challenging and promoting change, concentrating on the most vulnerable, increasing their impact, and improving their efficiency and effectiveness. As Scotland continues to reform mental health law and services, the Commission has an important role in shaping a fairer, more person-centred system that delivers better outcomes for those who need support most.

THE ROLE OF A BOARD MEMBER

Board Members play a vital role in providing strategic leadership and direction to the Commission. Working collaboratively with the Chair and fellow members, you will contribute to strategy development, oversee the performance of the organisation and ensure it delivers on its purpose and statutory duties. You will help ensure that robust governance arrangements are in place, resources are used effectively, and that the Commission operates with integrity, accountability and transparency.

As a non-executive member, you will provide constructive support and challenge to the executive team, offering scrutiny and assurance on decisions and performance. This includes contributing to Board and committee work, upholding the highest ethical standards, and championing the rights and interests of some of the most vulnerable people in Scotland.

Further information

For further information about the Mental Welfare Commission and the roles, please email Stuart Gray at stuart.gray3@nhs.scot who will arrange a call with Ashley Dee, Head of Culture and Corporate Services at the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland.

You can also find out more about the Commission on their website.

REMUNERATION AND TIME COMMITMENT

Members of the Board receive £279.13 per day. You would also receive allowances at rates set centrally for relevant travel and subsistence costs. All reasonable receipted dependant-carer expenses, including childcare, and for support required to help you carry out your duties effectively will also be reimbursed where applicable. The appointment is non-pensionable.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

In respect of these posts, both the priority and essential criteria are a mandatory requirement.

Priority Criteria

Applicants need to meet at least one of the priority criteria:

1. Carer Experienced
2. Clinical Experience in Mental Health provision
3. Experience in Staff Wellbeing and Governance

Essential Criteria

Applicants will also need to meet all the essential criteria:

1. Ability to contribute effectively to the work of the Board through analysis and decision-making

2. Enthusiastic and passionate in promoting individual rights
3. Ability to provide constructive and supportive challenge
4. Ability to communicate and influence effectively

APPLICANT INFORMATION PACK

Please read the Applicant Information Pack. The Pack includes further information on the role and additional details on the criteria being assessed at application and interview stage.

TO APPLY FOR THESE ROLES, FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Download and save the Applicant Information Pack to refer back to.
2. Read the ‘person specification’ and ‘how to apply’ section in the pack.
3. Navigate back to this job advert and click ‘apply now’.
4. Complete the personal information and conflict of interest questions.
5. When prompted, provide evidence against the relevant box/boxes for the Priority Criteria and Essential Criteria 1–3. Please note that each response must not exceed 300 words.
6. Complete the Tailored Career History section in no more than 400 words.

Please note that any content exceeding the stated word limits will not be considered by the selection panel.

We strongly recommend that you draft your answers in a word document and check the word count / spelling and grammar before copying and pasting your answers in the relevant sections of the online application form.

Please note that you will not be able to update your answers once the online application is submitted. Late applications will not be accepted by the selection panel. Full details on how to apply, and the evidence that should be submitted at the application stage, are set out at pages 7 – 9 of the Applicant Information Pack.

Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on 30 July 2026.

ABOUT PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS

Public appointments are made by Scottish Ministers. The appointments process is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner you can find out more about the Commissioner here: Public appointments | Ethical Standards Commissioner

EQUALITY STATEMENT

Scottish Ministers value highly the benefits of diverse Public Body Boards. People from all walks of life are encouraged to apply for public appointments.

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

If you have a disability and require an adjustment at any stage of the public appointments process, please get in touch with the Scottish Government, Public Appointments Team by email at public.appointments@gov.scot.

FURTHER INFORMATION

• FAQ’s about the application process is here: Public Appointments - Frequently Asked Questions
• Guidance to support applicants is here: Public appointments - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
• If you experience any difficulties, please contact the Public Appointments Team by email at Public.appointments@gov.scot.