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- Tasks: Lead Architecture and Design Scotland into a transformative new chapter.
- Company: A&DS is a national champion for good design in the built environment.
- Benefits: Competitive remuneration, travel expense reimbursement, and flexible time commitment.
- Other info: Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply for this influential role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's architecture and design landscape.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and understanding of architecture and design's value.
The predicted salary is between 10482 - 10482 £ per year.
Do you want to lead Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) into a new chapter of transformation and increased impact? A&DS was established as a public body in 2005 and is a national champion for good design of the built environment, helping to shape the places and buildings that influence our lives. The organisation has accomplished a great deal since its inception, helping to embed the benefits of good design across an array of issues and places. Following a recent government review, A&DS is entering an exciting new chapter. Alongside its continuing actions to champion good design, A&DS will now play a new role to support and develop Scotland’s architecture and design workforce, growing the collective capacity and harnessing the value of design. The review also recommended structural reform activity, including nesting A&DS within another public body, to harness opportunities, maximise efficiency and increase impact. Scottish Ministers now seek to appoint a Chair who will be central to the success of the organisation, steering A&DS into a new chapter and delivering on new ambitions. We are therefore looking for candidates who have an understanding of how architecture, design issues and the built environment can support a wide range of policy outcomes and support people’s lives. If you are able to see the bigger picture, and have strong leadership, communication and influencing skills and are able to uphold good governance, we hope that you will consider applying for this opportunity.
About The Role
As Chair, you will lead the Board and ensure A&DS delivers its functions and ambitions, aligning with Scottish Ministers’ priorities. This is a central role with significant potential for strategic influence on the role of architecture and design in Scotland.
REMUNERATION AND TIME COMMITMENT
The Chair appointment is remunerated at the gross daily rate of £218.38 per day, providing a yearly remuneration of £10,482.24. You will also receive reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses and reasonable child care/carer costs incurred whilst undertaking Chair duties. The appointment is not pensionable. The time commitment for the Chair is around 4 days a month (48 days per year). This appointment will be for up to 4 years in the first instance. It should be noted that the 2025 review of A&DS recommended that the body may be merged or nested within another host public body. Any future changes to the structure of A&DS may have implications for the responsibilities and tenure of the Chair and Board members.
Skills And Experience
To apply, applicants must submit a tailored career history of no more than 500 words, along with a statement of evidence of up to 1,500 words, demonstrating clearly how they meet the criteria listed below:
- Priority Criterion 1 - Leading through strategic change
- Essential Criterion 1 - Understanding the value and impact of Architecture and Design
- Essential Criterion 2 - Ability to chair a board
Applicants who most closely meet these requirements will be invited to interview and asked to undertake an assessment task addressing all the criteria (Priority and Essential).
APPLICANT INFORMATION PACK
Before applying, please read the Applicant Information Pack. The Pack includes further information on the role and additional details on the criteria being assessed.
To Apply For The Role, Follow These Instructions
Download and save the Applicant Information Pack to refer back to. Read the ‘person specification’ and ‘how to apply’ section in the Applicant Pack. Navigate back to this job advert and click ‘apply’. Complete the personal information and conflict of interest questions. Provide all evidence requested in the Application Pack ensuring you adhere to the stated word limits. PLEASE NOTE you do not have the option to edit your application once you click ‘submit’. You must have all your information and attachments to hand before submitting your application. Late applications cannot be considered by the panel. Full details on how to apply, and the evidence that should be submitted at the application stage, are set out at pages 11 - 14 of the Applicant Information Pack. Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on Monday 23 March 2026.
About Public Appointments
Public appointments are made by Scottish Ministers. The appointments process is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.
EQUALITY STATEMENT
Scottish ministers value highly the benefits of diverse Public Body Boards. Having a diverse Board improves the decision making of the Board and builds a vibrant and creative culture which is better able to respond to the diverse needs of communities. We welcome applications from people who can bring their diverse perspectives to our work and who meet the requirements of this role. Scottish ministers particularly welcome applications from protected characteristics and groups currently under‑represented on Scotland’s Public Bodies. These include women, disabled people, young people, black and minority ethnic groups and LGBTI+. The public appointments process promotes, demonstrates and upholds equality of opportunity for all applicants. 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
Public Appointments - Guidance and Support for applicants FAQ’s about the application process.
Appointment of Chair to the Board of Architecture and Design Scotland employer: THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
Contact Detail:
THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Appointment of Chair to the Board of Architecture and Design Scotland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the architecture and design field, especially those connected to A&DS. Attend events, join discussions, and don’t be shy about asking for insights or advice. You never know who might have a lead on the role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research A&DS thoroughly and understand their recent changes and future goals. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission and be ready to discuss it confidently. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've led strategic change in the past. Highlight your ability to influence and communicate effectively, as these are key traits they’re looking for in a Chair.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! Make sure you follow all the application instructions carefully. Tailor your career history and evidence statement to match the criteria they’ve set out. We’re rooting for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Appointment of Chair to the Board of Architecture and Design Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Career History: Make sure your career history is specifically tailored to the role. Highlight experiences that showcase your leadership and strategic change skills, as these are key for the Chair position.
Evidence is Key: In your statement of evidence, clearly demonstrate how you meet the criteria listed in the Applicant Information Pack. Use specific examples to back up your claims and show your understanding of architecture and design.
Stick to the Word Limits: Keep an eye on those word limits! You’ve got 500 words for your career history and 1,500 for your evidence statement. Being concise yet impactful is crucial, so make every word count.
Apply Through Our Website: When you're ready to submit, make sure to apply through our website. Double-check all your information and attachments before hitting 'submit', as you won’t be able to edit once it’s sent off!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Before your interview, take time to research how architecture and design influence various policy outcomes. This will help you articulate your vision for A&DS and demonstrate your understanding of its role in shaping Scotland's built environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led strategic change. Be ready to discuss how you can guide A&DS through its new chapter and what leadership style you would adopt to inspire the board and staff.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Governance
Brush up on good governance practices, especially in a public body context. Be prepared to discuss how you would uphold these principles as Chair and ensure that A&DS operates effectively and transparently.
✨Engage with the Community
Think about how you can connect with diverse communities across Scotland. Prepare to discuss strategies for engaging with under-represented groups and how their perspectives can enhance A&DS’s impact on architecture and design.