At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of architecture and design in Scotland through strategic influence and governance.
- Company: Architecture and Design Scotland, a national champion for good design.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, travel expense reimbursement, and flexible commitment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's built environment and design workforce.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic roles and understanding of architecture, design, and sustainability.
- Other info: Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply; excellent opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Do you want to shape the strategic direction of Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) as it begins 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 up to three Board Members who will be key to A&DS delivering the review outcomes and the new ambitions. Members will provide support to the Board Chair, help to steer the organisation’s strategic direction and ensure robust governance in times of reform and change. The role involves strategic thinking, providing vision, inspiration and constructive challenge and the ability to hold others to account.
About The Role
As a Member, you will support the Chair and work alongside your Board colleagues, to ensure A&DS delivers its functions and ambitions, aligning with Scottish Ministers’ priorities. This is a unique opportunity with potential for strategic influence on the role of architecture and design in Scotland. Details on the role can be found in the Applicant Information Pack.
An online information session will be held on Wednesday 25 March 2026, 18:30-19:30.
REMUNERATION AND TIME COMMITMENT
Member roles are remunerated at the daily rate of £196.16 per day, providing a yearly remuneration of £4,708. You will also receive reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses and reasonable childcare/carer costs incurred whilst undertaking duties. The appointment is not pensionable. The time commitment for Members is around 2 days a month (24 days per year). This appointment will be for up to 4 years in the first instance.
Skills And Experience
To apply, applicants must submit a statement of evidence, using no more than 400 words per criterion and a tailored career history of no more than 500 words. Your Statement Of Evidence Must Clearly Evidence How You Meet At Least One Of The Priority Criteria (you May Provide Evidence For Both If Relevant) And Essential Criterion 1 And 2 – As Listed Below:
- Priority Criterion 1 – Understanding the value and impact of architecture and design (max 400 words)
- Priority Criterion 2 - Understanding of climate and sustainability issues as one of A&DS key priorities/aims (max 400 words)
- Essential Criterion 1: Operating at a strategic level (max 400 words)
- Essential Criterion 2: Supporting good governance (max 400 words)
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.
- When prompted, attach your combined statement of evidence and tailored career history in one Word document.
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 10 - 13 of the Applicant Information Pack. Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on Thursday 16 April 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.
Appointment of Members 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 Members 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 sharing your passion for good design.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for informal chats! You never know when an opportunity might pop up. Have your thoughts on strategic direction and governance ready to share, so you can impress when the moment arises.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for A&DS’s mission! When you get the chance to speak with board members or during info sessions, express how you can contribute to their goals and the exciting changes ahead.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about being part of this transformative journey at A&DS.
We think you need these skills to ace Appointment of Members to the Board of Architecture and Design Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Applicant Information Pack: Before you dive into writing your application, make sure to read the Applicant Information Pack thoroughly. It’s packed with essential details about the role and the criteria we’re looking for, so it’ll help you tailor your application effectively.
Tailor Your Statement of Evidence: When crafting your statement of evidence, focus on how your experiences align with the priority and essential criteria. Use specific examples to showcase your understanding of architecture, design, and governance – this is your chance to shine!
Keep It Concise and Clear: Remember, you’ve got word limits for each section, so be concise! Stick to the point and ensure your writing is clear and easy to follow. We want to see your passion and expertise without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Double-Check Before You Submit: Once you’ve put everything together, take a moment to review your application. Make sure all your documents are attached and that you haven’t missed any details. Remember, once you hit submit, there’s no going back, so let’s get it right the first time!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the role of Architecture and Design Scotland. Understand their mission, recent changes, and how they impact architecture and design in Scotland. This knowledge will help you articulate your vision and show that you're genuinely interested in shaping their strategic direction.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've operated at a strategic level. Think about times when you've influenced decision-making or provided constructive challenges. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute effectively to the Board and support good governance.
✨Highlight Your Understanding of Sustainability
Given the emphasis on climate and sustainability issues, be ready to discuss how these factors influence architecture and design. Share insights on sustainable practices you've implemented or supported in previous roles, showcasing your commitment to A&DS's key priorities.
✨Engage with the Panel
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions for the panel about their vision for A&DS and how they see the role evolving. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and aspirations.