NHS Western Isles is responsible for the protection and improvement of its population’s health and for the delivery of frontline healthcare services. NHS Western Isles provides a comprehensive range of acute, mental health, primary and community services. NHS Western Isles actively works with a wide range of stakeholders including residents, the Local Authority (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar) and third sector organisations to deliver shared services.
THE BOARD
The board’s role is to deliver high quality, person‑centred care and to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of the Western Isles through robust, accountable and corporate governance systems. We set strategic aims, hold executives to account for the delivery of those aims, determine the level of risk the board is willing to accept, influence the organisation’s culture, and engage with stakeholders on the stewardship of public money and the priorities of the board.
As a non‑executive board member, you would be expected to make a full contribution to the work of the board, including participation in its governance committees. More information on the responsibilities of board members is available in the applicant information pack.
OUTREACH EVENTS
The Board will be holding informal “Meet and Greet” information sessions for those interested in becoming a non‑executive director. There you will have the opportunity to meet the Chair and non‑executive directors of the Board. Details of the “Meet and Greet” dates and locations will be available on the Board website.
ROLE CRITERIA
- Role 1 requires deep awareness of the social, cultural and community landscape of the Western Isles.
- Role 2 is a generalist board member role.
Role 1 has a priority criterion which candidates should provide evidence of, in addition to a number of essential criteria. Role 2 does not have a priority criterion for candidates to evidence in addition to the essential criteria. If you apply for Role 1, you will also automatically be considered for Role 2 should your evidence of the priority criterion be below the threshold for shortlist. If you are applying for Role 1 but do not wish to be considered for Role 2, please indicate this in your application. Please review the criteria for appointment in the applicant information pack and craft your application accordingly.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Download the applicant information pack and read the person specification and how to apply section. Prepare a supporting statement and career history (within the word and page limits specified). Save both documents as one PDF, then apply by 17:00 on 3rd August 2026 through the online application system. Attach your PDF and submit before the deadline. Late applications or those without a supporting statement or two‑page career history cannot be considered by the panel.
REMUNERATION AND TIME COMMITMENT
These positions attract a remuneration rate of £16,244 per annum, plus reasonable expenses. The time commitment will vary week to week, but you must be able to make a firm commitment to spend on average 8 hours per week (52 days per year) on board business. Appointment will be for 4 years.
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. Scottish ministers particularly welcome applications from groups currently under‑represented on Scotland’s public bodies, such as disabled people, those from minority ethnic communities, and people aged under 50. The public appointments process promotes, demonstrates and upholds equality of opportunity for all applicants. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Find out more about public appointments here: Public appointments. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the appointments process or further support with your application, please contact the Public Appointments Team by email at public.appointments@gov.scot.
ABOUT US
Public appointments are made by Scottish ministers. The appointment process is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner. You can find out more about the Commissioner here: Public appointments Ethical Standards Commissioner.
Appointment of Members to the NHS Western Isles Board employer: THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
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